bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Analysis of Shield Tunnelling Breakthrough Working Shaft by Artificial Ground Freezing Method under Extreme Conditions Considering Phase Change Latent Heat
Authors: Deng Shengjun , He Yang , Yang Mingqi , Zhou Feng , Liu Heng , Zhu Rui , Wan Zhihui
Published: March 2023

The artificial ground freezing method has been widely used in shield tunneling breakthrough working shafts. The freezing effect was mainly considered in the previous research, and the heat generation of the shield machine was not considered, which has great influence in actual engineering. In this paper, a coupling calculation model, considering phase change latent heat, is establishes that by containing the freezing process and heat generation of the shield machine, the model is verified. A numerical simulation is carried out for several working conditions that may occur in actual projects, and the following conclusions are obtained. Although the heat dissipated by the normal tunneling of the shield machine will melt the frozen soil curtain that originally meets the design requirements, the thickness of the frozen soil curtain after melting cannot reach the initial design, though it is still within the safe range. In the process of a continuous rotation working condition, the bottom and sides of a cup-shaped frozen soil curtain are partially melted in the early 6 day stay of the shield machine, and the thickness is reduced to a relatively stable value of 0.8 m. In a temporary shutdown working condition, when the contact surface temperature between the shield machine shell and the frozen soil drops to −12 °C after almost 4 days of shutdown, the shield machine may not keep tunneling forward due to the freezing effect. The research results will benefit the freezing design and management of the shield tunneling breakthrough working shaft under extreme conditions.
A New Generalized Logarithmic–X Family of Distributions with Biomedical Data Analysis
Authors: Shah Zubir , Khan Dost Muhammad , Khan Zardad , Faiz Nosheen , Hussain Sundus , Anwar Asim , Ahmad Tanveer , Kim Ki-Il
Published: March 2023

In this article, an attempt is made to propose a novel method of lifetime distributions with maximum flexibility using a popular T–X approach together with an exponential distribution, which is known as the New Generalized Logarithmic-X Family (NGLog–X for short) of distributions. Additionally, the generalized form of the Weibull distribution was derived by using the NGLog–X family, known as the New Generalized Logarithmic Weibull (NGLog–Weib) distribution. For the proposed method, some statistical properties, including the moments, moment generating function (MGF), residual and reverse residual life, identifiability, order statistics, and quantile functions, were derived. The estimation of the model parameters was derived by using the well-known method of maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). A comprehensive Monte Carlo simulation study (MCSS) was carried out to evaluate the performance of these estimators by computing the biases and mean square errors. Finally, the NGLog–Weib distribution was implemented on four real biomedical datasets and compared with some other distributions, such as the Alpha Power Transformed Weibull distribution, Marshal Olkin Weibull distribution, New Exponent Power Weibull distribution, Flexible Reduced Logarithmic Weibull distribution, and Kumaraswamy Weibull distribution. The analysis results demonstrate that the new proposed model performs as a better fit than the other competitive distributions.
The Use of the DEA Method for Measuring the Efficiency of Electronic Public Administration as Part of the Digitization of the Economy and Society
Authors: Krejnus Matej , Stofkova Jana , Stofkova Katarina Repkova , Binasova Vladimira
Published: March 2023

E-Government is one area of digitization that has been under way for several years in European countries. In this paper, we focus on identifying different indices that are aimed at measuring digitalization or e-Government. The results of the analysis showed that there are several indices that focus on this area within the EU, such as EGDI, EPI, LOSI, DGI, e-Government benchmark, Eurostat—Internet use, GII, DSGI, Going Digital toolkit, and DESI. Subsequently, the index areas to be used in the DEA method to measure the efficiency of e-Government-related inputs and outputs within the EU were identified. Inputs and outputs were selected logically and then verified using correlation analysis. Among the input and output indices chosen were Internet usage, DSGI, GII, e-Government benchmark, and interaction with public administration online. From the analysis, three inputs and three outputs were used and the models were output oriented. After implementing the correlation, it can be said that the values between the selected sub-variables are suitable for DEA analysis. Two models were chosen for the calculation, namely the CCR and BCC models. The CCR model found 10 states to be efficient and BCC model found 13 states to be efficient. In addition, in the close analysis, we took a closer look at the CCR model’s inference. Countries such as Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Malta, and Portugal were efficient outliers. When comparing the regions within the EU, we can conclude that the countries of Northern Europe are the most efficient in the field of digitalization (e-Government). As many as four countries out of seven are efficient.
Research on Double-Arc Cutting Tool Design and Cutting Performance
Authors: Fan Mengchao , Bi Chunxu , Yue Caixu , Liu Xianli , Zhu Yingnan
Published: March 2023

With the increasing complexity of the workpiece surfaces in aerospace and automotive molding and other areas, an increasing number of cutting tools with different shapes and performance have become necessary. A new kind of cutting tool is developed with a double-arc revolving surface at the tool’s end to improve the processing quality in numerical control milling, referred to as a double-arc cutting tool (DACT) in this paper. The parametric geometric model of the DACT is established. Three types of cutting-edge curves are proposed (a cutting edge with a constant helix angle, a cutting edge with a constant pitch, and an orthogonal spiral cutting edge). Corresponding numerical simulation results are also provided as graphical representations. A DACT is manufactured and tested to verify its feasibility. Finally, two contrast experiments are conducted to prove that DACT has a higher processing quality than a ball-end mill (BEM). The advantage of the DACT is verified, which provides a theoretical basis for higher quality machining. The parametric design and application research provides a new method and theoretical basis for other new types of cutting tools.
Estimation Strategy of RUL Calculation in the Case of Crack in the Magnets of PMM Used in HEV Application
Authors: Ginzarly Riham , Hoblos Ghaleb , Moubayed Nazih
Published: March 2023

Knowing the importance of assuring their reliability and availability, prognosis and remaining useful life calculation (RUL) concepts are highly suggested to be applied in critical applications such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). In the electrical propulsion system of HEVs, the electrical machine is one of the most critical elements considering its cost and function. Most electrical machines used in HEVs are permanent magnet machines (PMM). Most severe faults in PMM that affect its normal operation are the result of demagnetization. However, applying prognosis to a real prototype to detect the presence of mechanical defects such as cracks in the magnet of PMM and calculating the RUL of this defective element are challenging. In this paper, we are going to take advantage of a finite element model already built for the PMM in the healthy state and the state where cracks of different depths are integrated into the magnet. After that, relevant vital parameters that are affected when this type of fault persists in the machine are collected. Then, prognosis is applied to detect the presence of the crack in one piece of magnet in the electrical machine. Following this, the RUL calculation is performed to predict the remaining time before the crack propagates and a total fracture occurs in the magnet. The method used to execute the prognosis is the hidden Markov model (HMM). The RUL calculation will be performed using Paris equation, being the most important equation that models the growth and propagation of cracks
Identification of Visible Lines in Pm-like W13+
Authors: Priti  , Inadome Kota , Funabashi Mayuko , Nakamura Nobuyuki , Sakaue Hiroyuki A. , Murakami Izumi , Kato Daiji
Published: March 2023

To provide spectroscopic data for W13+, the present work is focused on the analysis of spectra observed in the visible range, using a compact electron beam ion trap (CoBIT). Line identification is done by using a collisional radiative model, along with sophisticated structure calculations from FAC and GRASP2018. Most of the identified lines belong to magnetic dipole (M1) transitions between the levels of the 4f125p1 and 4f13 configurations.
Functional Beverages in the 21st Century
Authors: Sugajski Mateusz , Buszewska-Forajta Magdalena , Buszewski Bogusław
Published: March 2023

Underlying the dawn of humanity was primarily the search for food and access to drinking water. Over the course of civilization, there has been a significant increase in drinking water quality. By the average of the nutritional standards, the daily water demand is 2.5 L (also including liquid products such as tea, coffee, or soup). However, it is worth noticing that the need is strictly individual for each person and depends on two major factors, namely, epidemiological (sex, age state of health, lifestyle, and diet) and environmental (humidity and air temperature). Currently, our diet is more and more often enriched with isotonic drinks, functional drinks, or drinks bearing the hallmarks of health-promoting products. As a result, manufacturing companies compete to present more interesting beverages with complex compositions. This article will discuss both the composition of functional beverages and their impact on health.
S100 as Serum Tumor Marker in Advanced Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Salzmann Martin , Enk Alexander H. , Hassel Jessica C.
Published: March 2023

S100 protein is routinely used as a serum tumor marker in advanced cutaneous melanoma. However, there is scarce and inconclusive evidence on its value in monitoring disease progression of uveal melanoma. In this monocenter study, we retrospectively assessed the connection between documented S100 protein levels of patients suffering from stage IV uveal melanoma and the clinical course of disease. Where available, we analyzed expression of S100 in melanoma metastases by immunohistochemistry. A total of 101 patients were included, 98 had available serum S100 levels, and in 83 cases, sufficient data were available to assess a potential link of S100 with the clinical course of the uveal melanoma. Only 12 of 58 (20.7%) patients had elevated serum levels at first diagnosis of stage IV disease. During progressive disease, 54% of patients showed rising serum S100 levels, while 46% of patients did not. Tumor material of 56 patients was stained for S100. Here, 26 (46.4%) showed expression, 19 (33.9%) weak expression, and 11 (19.6%) no expression of S100. Serum S100 levels rose invariably in all patients with strong expression throughout the course of disease, while patients without S100 expression in metastases never showed rising S100 levels. Thus, the value of S100 serum levels in monitoring disease progression can be predicted by immunohistochemistry of metastases. It is not a reliable marker for early detection of advanced disease.
Regenerative Potential of Hydroxyapatite-Based Ceramic Biomaterial on Mandibular Cortical Bone: An In Vivo Study
Authors: Vdoviaková Katarína , Jenca Andrej , Jenca Andrej , Danko Ján , Kresáková Lenka , Simaiová Veronika , Reichel Peter , Rusnák Pavol , Pribula Jozef , Vrzgula Marko , Askin Sarah J. , Giretová Maria , Briancin Jaroslav , Medvecký Lubomír
Published: March 2023

Reconstruction of bone defects and maintaining the continuity of the mandible is still a challenge in the maxillofacial surgery. Nowadays, the biomedical research within bone defect treatment is focussed on the therapy of using innovative biomaterials with specific characteristics consisting of the body’s own substances. Hydroxyapatite ceramic scaffolds have fully acceptable phase compositions, microstructures and compressive strengths for their use in regenerative medicine. The innovative hydroxyapatite ceramics used by us were prepared using the tape-casting method, which allows variation in the shape of samples after packing hydroxyapatite paste to 3D-printed plastic form. The purpose of our qualitative study was to evaluate the regenerative potential of the innovative ceramic biomaterial prepared using this method in the therapy of the cortical bone of the lower jaw in four mature pigs. The mandible bone defects were evaluated after different periods of time (after 3, 4, 5 and 6 months) and compared with the control sample (healthy cortical bone from the opposite side of the mandible). The results of the morphological, clinical and radiological investigation and hardness examination confirmed the positive regenerative potential of ceramic implants after treatment of the mandible bone defects in the porcine mandible model.
Proving the Superiority of Intraoperative Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring over Visualization Alone during Thyroidectomy
Authors: Wojtczak Beata , Marciniak Dominik , Kaliszewski Krzysztof , Sutkowski Krzysztof , Głód Mateusz , Rudnicki Jerzy , Bolanowski Marek , Barczyński Marcin
Published: March 2023

Vocal fold paralysis after thyroid surgery is still a dangerous complication that significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Since the intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) technique has been introduced and standardized, the most frequently asked question is whether its use has significantly reduced the rate of RLN injury during thyroid surgery compared to visual identification alone (VA). The aim of this study was to attempt to prove the superiority of IONM over VA of the RLN during thyroid surgery in the prevention of vocal fold paralysis, taking into account risk factors for complications. The medical records of 711 patients (1265 recurrent laryngeal nerves at risk of injury) were analyzed retrospectively: in 257 patients/469 RLNs at risk, thyroid surgery was performed with IONM; in 454 patients/796 RLNs at risk, surgery was performed with VA. The statistical analysis showed that in the group of patients with IONM only one risk factor—the surgeon’s experience—proved statistically significant (OR = 3.27; p = 0.0478) regarding the overall risk of vocal fold palsy. In the group of patients where only visualization was used, 5 of the 12 factors analyzed were statistically significant: retrosternal goiter (OR = 2.23; p = 0.041); total thyroid volume (OR = 2.30; p = 0.0284); clinical diagnosis (OR = 2.5; p = 0.0669); gender (OR = 3.08; p = 0.0054) and risk stratification (OR = 3.30; p = 0.0041). In addition, the cumulative risk, taking into account the simultaneous influence of all 12 factors, was slightly higher in the group of patients in whom only VA was used during the procedure: OR = 1.78. This value was also considerably more statistically significant (p < 0.0001) than that obtained in the group of patients in whom IONM was used: OR = 1.73; p = 0.004. Conclusions: Risk factors for complications in thyroid surgery are not significant for any increase in the rate of vocal fold paralysis as long as surgery is performed with IONM, in contrast to thyroid surgery performed only with VA, thus proving the superiority of IONM over VA for safety.
P53 Deficiency Accelerate Esophageal Epithelium Intestinal Metaplasia Malignancy
Authors: Qiu Quanpeng , Guo Gang , Guo Xiaolong , Hu Xiake , Yu Tianyu , Liu Gaixia , Zhang Haowei , Chen Yinnan , She Junjun
Published: March 2023

Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is a precancerous lesion of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). It is a pathological change in which the squamous epithelium distal esophagus is replaced by columnar epithelium. Loss of P53 is involved in the development of BE and is taken as a risk factor for the progression. We established a HET1A cell line with P53 stably knockdown by adenovirus vector infection, followed by 30 days of successive acidic bile salt treatment. MTT, transwell assay, and wound closure assay were applied to assess cell proliferation and migration ability. The expression of key factors was analyzed by RT-qPCR, western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. Our data show that the protein expression level of P53 reduced after exposure to acidic bile salt treatment, and the P53 deficiency favors the survival of esophageal epithelial cells to accommodate the stimulation of acidic bile salts. Furthermore, exposure to acidic bile salt decreases cell adhesions by repressing the JAK/STAT signaling pathway and activating VEGFR/AKT in P53-deficient esophageal cells. In EAC clinical samples, P53 protein expression is positively correlated with that of ICAM1 and STAT3 and negatively correlated with VEGFR protein expression levels. These findings elucidate the role of P53 in the formation of BE, explain the mechanism of P53 deficiency as a higher risk of progression for BE formation, and provide potential therapeutic targets for EAC.
From NAFLD to MAFLD: Definition, Pathophysiological Basis and Cardiovascular Implications
Authors: Boccatonda Andrea , Andreetto Lorenzo , D’Ardes Damiano , Cocco Giulio , Rossi Ilaria , Vicari Susanna , Schiavone Cosima , Cipollone Francesco , Guagnano Maria Teresa
Published: March 2023

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined as a chronic liver disease characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver without another obvious cause (no excessive alcohol consumption, hepatotoxic medications, toxins, viral infections, genetic hepatic diseases), therefore it is an exclusion diagnosis. The term NAFLD literally refers to non-alcohol related hepatopathy and does not adequately correlate with metabolic dysfunction and related cardiovascular risks. Therefore, researchers and scientific societies have moved towards changing the terminology. The novel nomenclature for a metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has been proposed in 2020 by a group of experts to overcome the issues related to the old terminology. The diagnosis of MAFLD is based on the presence of hepatic steatosis and at least one between these three conditions: type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity or metabolic dysregulation. MAFLD has been shown to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis. It is better related to the main risk factors for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases than NAFLD, such as dyslipidemia, T2DM and hypertension. The aim of this review is to highlight the reasons why the term NAFLD is moving to the term MAFLD, what are the conceptual basis of this choice and its clinical implications, particularly in the cardiovascular field.
The Current State of Adult Glial Tumor Patients’ Care in Kazakhstan: Challenges in Diagnosis and Patterns in Survival Outcomes
Authors: Babi Aisha , Menlibayeva Karashash , Bex Torekhan , Kuandykova Shynar , Akshulakov Serik
Published: March 2023

Background: The study aimed to analyze the 5-year survival of adult patients with glial tumors and to define characteristics that are associated with the disease outcomes in Kazakhstan. Methods: Medical records of patients that were surgically treated at the National Center for Neurosurgery during the 5-year period from 2016 to 2020 were collected retrospectively. Patients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of diffuse astrocytic or oligodendroglial tumor type were included and their survival was assessed with life tables, Kaplan–Meier plot, and Cox regression using STATA 16 statistical software. Results: Almost half of the patients had glioblastoma. The 5-year survival rate of the whole sample was 45.93%. Among Grade 4 patients, 15.6% survived the 5-year mark. Differences in survival between grades 1–3 were not significant. Grade 1 patients demonstrated worse survival rates compared to Grade 2 patients (69% vs. 74%). Worse survival rates were observed among patients of Russian ethnicity and in rural residents. Conclusions: The study described the unusual patterns in survival rates of glial tumor patients in Kazakhstan, pointing to the need for reassessment of diagnostic accuracy and resulting treatment of glial patients in Kazakhstan, and the need to introduce molecular and genetic parameters in tumor type classification. Moreover, the observed difference in survival of different ethnic groups and residents of rural and urban areas should be further investigated and addressed by healthcare professionals.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence in the Odyssey of Rare Diseases
Authors: Visibelli Anna , Roncaglia Bianca , Spiga Ottavia , Santucci Annalisa
Published: March 2023

Emerging machine learning (ML) technologies have the potential to significantly improve the research and treatment of rare diseases, which constitute a vast set of diseases that affect a small proportion of the total population. Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms can help to quickly identify patterns and associations that would be difficult or impossible for human analysts to detect. Predictive modeling techniques, such as deep learning, have been used to forecast the progression of rare diseases, enabling the development of more targeted treatments. Moreover, AI has also shown promise in the field of drug development for rare diseases with the identification of subpopulations of patients who may be most likely to respond to a particular drug. This review aims to highlight the achievements of AI algorithms in the study of rare diseases in the past decade and advise researchers on which methods have proven to be most effective. The review will focus on specific rare diseases, as defined by a prevalence rate that does not exceed 1–9/100,000 on Orphanet, and will examine which AI methods have been most successful in their study. We believe this review can guide clinicians and researchers in the successful application of ML in rare diseases.
How CD4+ T Cells Transcriptional Profile Is Affected by Culture Conditions: Towards the Design of Optimal In Vitro HIV Reactivation Assays
Authors: Pascucci Giuseppe Rubens , Morrocchi Elena , Pighi Chiara , Rotili Arianna , Neri Alessia , Medri Chiara , Olivieri Giulio , Sanna Marco , Rasi Gianmarco , Persaud Deborah , Chahroudi Ann , Lichterfeld Mathias , Nastouli Eleni , Cancrini Caterina , Amodio Donato , Rossi Paolo , Cotugno Nicola , Palma Paolo
Published: March 2023

Most of the current assays directed at the investigation of HIV reactivation are based on cultures of infected cells such as Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) or isolated CD4+ T cells, stimulated in vitro with different activator molecules. The culture media in these in vitro tests lack many age- and donor-specific immunomodulatory components normally found within the autologous plasma. This triggered our interest in understanding the impact that different matrices and cell types have on T cell transcriptional profiles following in vitro culture and stimulation. Methods: Unstimulated or stimulated CD4+ T cells of three young adults with perinatal HIV-infection were isolated from PBMCs before or after culture in RPMI medium or autologous plasma. Transcriptomes were sequenced using Oxford Nanopore technologies. Results: Transcriptional profiles revealed the activation of similar pathways upon stimulation in both media with a higher magnitude of TCR cascade activation in CD4+ lymphocytes cultured in RPMI. Conclusions: These results suggest that for studies aiming at quantifying the magnitude of biological mechanisms under T cell activation, the autologous plasma could better approximate the in vivo environment. Conversely, if the study aims at defining qualitative aspects, then RPMI culture could provide more evident results.
An Individualized Low-Pneumoperitoneum-Pressure Strategy May Prevent a Reduction in Liver Perfusion during Colorectal Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Olmedilla Arnal Luis Enrique , Cambronero Oscar Diaz , Mazzinari Guido , Pérez Peña José María , Zorrilla Ortúzar Jaime , Rodríguez Martín Marcos , Vila Montañes Maria , Schultz Marcus J. , Rovira Lucas , Argente Navarro Maria Pilar ,   on behalf of the IPPColLapSe II investigators
Published: March 2023

High intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) during laparoscopic surgery is associated with reduced splanchnic blood flow. It is uncertain whether a low IAP prevents this reduction. We assessed the effect of an individualized low-pneumoperitoneum-pressure strategy on liver perfusion. This was a single-center substudy of the multicenter ‘Individualized Pneumoperitoneum Pressure in Colorectal Laparoscopic Surgery versus Standard Therapy II study’ (IPPCollapse–II), a randomized clinical trial in which patients received an individualized low-pneumoperitoneum strategy (IPP) or a standard pneumoperitoneum strategy (SPP). Liver perfusion was indirectly assessed by the indocyanine green plasma disappearance rate (ICG–PDR) and the secondary endpoint was ICG retention rate after 15 min (R15) using pulse spectrophotometry. Multivariable beta regression was used to assess the association between group assignment and ICG–PDR and ICG–R15. All 29 patients from the participating center were included. Median IAP was 8 (25th–75th percentile: 8–10) versus 12 (12,12) mmHg, in IPP and SPP patients, respectively (p < 0.001). ICG–PDR was higher (OR 1.42, 95%-CI 1.10–1.82; p = 0.006) and PDR–R15 was lower in IPP patients compared with SPP patients (OR 0.46, 95%-CI 0.29–0.73; p = 0.001). During laparoscopic colorectal surgery, an individualized low pneumoperitoneum may prevent a reduction in liver perfusion.
Exploratory Evaluation of Neopterin and Chitotriosidase as Potential Circulating Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ciocan Andra , Ciocan Răzvan A. , Al Hajjar Nadim , Benea Andreea M. , Pandrea Stanca L. , Cătană Cristina S. , Drugan Cristina , Oprea Valentin C. , Dîrzu Dan S. , Bolboacă Sorana D.
Published: March 2023

Chronic inflammation is demonstrated to play a direct role in carcinogenesis. Our exploratory study aimed to assess the potential added value of two inflammation biomarkers, chitotriosidase and neopterin, in follow-up evaluation of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). An observational exploratory study was conducted. Patients with CRC and matched controls (1:1, age, sex, and living environment) were evaluated. The patients with CRC (CRC group) and controls were assessed at baseline (before surgical intervention for patients with CRC). Patients with CRC were also evaluated at 1-year follow-up. Significantly more patients with blood group A (54.5% vs. 25.0%) and smokers (50.0% vs. 22.7%) were in the CRC group. The serum values of chitotriosidase and neopterin were higher in CRC patients than in controls, but only neopterin reached the conventional level of statistical significance (p-value = 0.015). The circulating chitotriosidase and neopterin values decreased significantly at 1-year follow-up (p-value < 0.0001). Patients with higher N- and M-stage showed statistically significant higher levels of chitotriosidase and neopterin at baseline and 1-year follow-up (p-values < 0.03). Circulating chitotriosidase levels also showed statistically significant differences regarding baseline and 1-year follow-up on patients with CRC and different differentiation grades (p-values < 0.02). The circulating levels of neopterin significantly decreased at 1-year follow-up, indicating its potential as a prognostic marker. The circulating values of chitotriosidase and neopterin exhibit significant differences in patients with than without recurrences. Our results support further evaluation of chitotriosidase and neopterin as prognostic markers in patients with CRC.
Living Plants Ecosystem Sensing: A Quantum Bridge between Thermodynamics and Bioelectricity
Authors: Chiolerio Alessandro , Vitiello Giuseppe , Dehshibi Mohammad Mahdi , Adamatzky Andrew
Published: March 2023

The in situ measurement of the bioelectric potential in xilematic and floematic superior plants reveals valuable insights into the biological activity of these organisms, including their responses to lunar and solar cycles and collective behaviour. This paper reports on the “Cyberforest Experiment” conducted in the open-air Paneveggio forest in Valle di Fiemme, Trento, Italy, where spruce (i.e., Picea abies) is cultivated. Our analysis of the bioelectric potentials reveals a strong correlation between higher-order complexity measurements and thermodynamic entropy and suggests that bioelectrical signals can reflect the metabolic activity of plants. Additionally, temporal correlations of bioelectric signals from different trees may be precisely synchronized or may lag behind. These correlations are further explored through the lens of quantum field theory, suggesting that the forest can be viewed as a collective array of in-phase elements whose correlation is naturally tuned depending on the environmental conditions. These results provide compelling evidence for the potential of living plant ecosystems as environmental sensors.
Ti/Zr/O Mixed Oxides for the Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of Furfural to GVL in a Liquid-Phase Continuous-Flow Reactor
Authors: Saotta Anna , Allegri Alessandro , Liuzzi Francesca , Fornasari Giuseppe , Dimitratos Nikolaos , Albonetti Stefania
Published: March 2023

This work aims to develop an efficient catalyst for the cascade reaction from furfural to γ-valerolactone in a liquid-phase continuous reactor. This process requires both Lewis and Brønsted acidity; hence, a bifunctional catalyst is necessary to complete the one-pot reaction. Ti/Zr/O mixed oxide-based catalysts were chosen to this end as balancing metal oxide composition allows the acidity characteristics of the overall material to be modulated. Oxides with different compositions were then synthesized using the co-precipitation method. After characterization via porosimetry and NH3-TPD, the catalyst with equimolar quantities of the two components was demonstrated to be the best one in terms of superficial area (279 m2/g) and acid site density (0.67 mmol/g). The synthesized materials were then tested using a plug flow reactor at 180 °C, with a 10 min contact time. Ti/Zr/O (1:1) was demonstrated to be the most promising catalyst during the recycling tests as it allowed obtaining the highest selectivities in the desired products (about 45% in furfuryl isopropyl ether and 20% in γ-valerolactone) contemporaneously with 100% furfural conversion.
The Potential Inhibitory Role of Acetyl-L-Carnitine on Proliferation, Migration, and Gene Expression in HepG2 and HT29 Human Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines
Authors: Albogami Sarah
Published: March 2023

Malignancies of the liver and colon are the most prevalent forms of digestive system cancer globally. Chemotherapy, one of the most significant treatments, has severe side effects. Chemoprevention using natural or synthetic medications can potentially reduce cancer severity. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is an acetylated derivative of carnitine essential for intermediate metabolism in most tissues. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ALC on the proliferation, migration, and gene expression of human liver (HepG2) and colorectal (HT29) adenocarcinoma cell lines. The cell viability and half maximal inhibitory concentration of both cancer cell lines were determined using the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Wound healing after treatment was assessed using a migration assay. Morphological changes were imaged using brightfield and fluorescence microscopy. Post treatment, apoptotic DNA was detected using a DNA fragmentation assay. The relative mRNA expressions of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were evaluated using RT-PCR. The results showed that ALC treatment affects the wound-healing ability of HepG2 and HT29 cell lines. Changes in nuclear morphology were detected under fluorescent microscopy. ALC also downregulates the expression levels of MMP9 and VEGF in HepG2 and HT29 cell lines. Our results indicate that the anticancer action of ALC is likely mediated by a decrease in adhesion, migration, and invasion.
Trend Analysis and Fluctuations of Winter Temperature over Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Mutairi Motirh , Labban Abdulhaleem , Abdeldym Abdallah , Abdel Basset Heshmat
Published: March 2023

The aim of this work is to study the variability of winter (monthly mean of DJF) air temperatures in Saudi Arabia. The study of the coefficient of variation (CV) of winter air temperature time series shows that the CV is a function of latitude, decreasing generally gradually from north to south. The highest values of CV during the winter season are mainly because of the migrating extratropical cyclones (Mediterranean cyclones) from west to east, and active subtropical jet, as well as the polar jet. The trend analysis illustrates that all stations have positive trends for the wintertime series. The study of decadal fluctuations in the behavior of winter temperature shows that the period from 1982 to 2010 is characterized in general by negative trend values in most northern stations of Saudi Arabia. In the middle of Saudi Arabia, negative trend values also appear but for the period 1983 to 2003. The southern and middle stations are distinguished by a positive trend during the period from 2003 to 2018.
Development of a Machine-Learning-Based Novel Framework for Travel Time Distribution Determination Using Probe Vehicle Data
Authors: Sihag Gurmesh , Kumar Praveen , Parida Manoranjan
Published: March 2023

Investigating travel time variability is critical for pre-trip planning, reliable route selection, traffic management, and the development of control strategies to mitigate traffic congestion problems cost-effectively. Hence, a large number of studies are available in the literature which determine the most suitable distribution to fit the travel time data, but these studies recommend different distributions for the travel time data, and there is a disagreement on the best distribution option for fitting to the travel time data. The present study proposes a novel framework to determine the best distribution to represent the travel time data obtained from probe vehicles by using the modern machine learning technique. This study employs vast travel time data collected by fitting GPS tracking units on the probe vehicles and offers a comprehensive investigation of travel time distribution in different scenarios generated due to spatiotemporal variation of the travel time. The study also considers the effect of weather and uses the three most commonly used non-parametric goodness-of-fit tests (namely, Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Anderson–Darling test, and chi-squared test) to fit and rank a comprehensive set of around 60 unimodal statistical distributions. The framework proposed in the study can determine the travel time distribution with 91% accuracy. Additionally, the distribution determined by the framework has an acceptance rate of 98.4%, which is better than the acceptance rates of the distributions recommended in existing studies. Because of its robustness and applicability in many different traffic situations, the proposed framework can also be used in developing countries with heterogeneous disordered traffic conditions to evaluate the road network’s performance in terms of travel time reliability.
Pharmacological Blockade of TGF-Beta Reduces Renal Interstitial Fibrosis in a Chronic Ischemia–Reperfusion Animal Model
Authors: Melo Zesergio , Palomino Julio , Franco-Acevedo Adriana , García David , González-González Ricardo , Verdugo-Molinares Maritza G. , Portilla-de Buen Eliseo , Moreno-Carranza Bibiana , Fuentes-Orozco Clotilde , Barbosa-Camacho Francisco J. , Reyes-Elizalde Emilio A. , Cortés-Sanabria Laura , González-Ojeda Alejandro
Published: March 2023

The targeting of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) has been shown to reduce complications related to ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) post-surgically. Pirfenidone (PFD) specifically inhibits TGF-β expression and has been demonstrated to provide protection from IRI in short-term allograft models, though not yet in long-term models. A chronic unilateral IRI model was established using male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into two groups: one with IRI and a pre-treatment of PFD (0.5 mg/kg) followed by 0.5 mg/kg/day of orally administered PFD for 30 days, and a control group without PFD treatment. A sham group was also included. Kidneys and blood samples were collected after 30 days, and the renal function was evaluated by measuring the serum creatinine and KIM-1 levels. RT-PCR was used to analyze fibrosis-related genes, and Luminex to quantify the pro-inflammatory serum IL-18 cytokine. Renal section staining and histological analysis were used to detect collagen deposits. Comparison within the groups showed an increase in serum creatinine and KIM-1 expression after IRI in the control group, while PFD reduced COLL1A1 and TGF-β expression and demonstrated a reduction in fibrosis through histological stains. The treatment group also showed a reduction in IL-18. Our results suggest that PFD exerts protective effects on chronic renal IRI, reducing fibrosis development and inflammation. This study provides new insights into the treatment and management of chronic renal function loss after IRI.
Comparison Study of Extraction Accuracy of 3D Facial Anatomical Landmarks Based on Non-Rigid Registration of Face Template
Authors: Wen Aonan , Zhu Yujia , Xiao Ning , Gao Zixiang , Zhang Yun , Wang Yong , Wang Shengjin , Zhao Yijiao
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: Three-dimensional (3D) facial anatomical landmarks are the premise and foundation of facial morphology analysis. At present, there is no ideal automatic determination method for 3D facial anatomical landmarks. This research aims to realize the automatic determination of 3D facial anatomical landmarks based on the non-rigid registration algorithm developed by our research team and to evaluate its landmark localization accuracy. (2) Methods: A 3D facial scanner, Face Scan, was used to collect 3D facial data of 20 adult males without significant facial deformities. Using the radial basis function optimized non-rigid registration algorithm, TH-OCR, developed by our research team (experimental group: TH group) and the non-rigid registration algorithm, MeshMonk (control group: MM group), a 3D face template constructed in our previous research was deformed and registered to each participant’s data. The automatic determination of 3D facial anatomical landmarks was realized according to the index of 32 facial anatomical landmarks determined on the 3D face template. Considering these 32 facial anatomical landmarks manually selected by experts on the 3D facial data as the gold standard, the distance between the automatically determined and the corresponding manually selected facial anatomical landmarks was calculated as the “landmark localization error” to evaluate the effect and feasibility of the automatic determination method (template method). (3) Results: The mean landmark localization error of all facial anatomical landmarks in the TH and MM groups was 2.34 ± 1.76 mm and 2.16 ± 1.97 mm, respectively. The automatic determination of the anatomical landmarks in the middle face was better than that in the upper and lower face in both groups. Further, the automatic determination of anatomical landmarks in the center of the face was better than in the marginal part. (4) Conclusions: In this study, the automatic determination of 3D facial anatomical landmarks was realized based on non-rigid registration algorithms. There is no significant difference in the automatic landmark localization accuracy between the TH-OCR algorithm and the MeshMonk algorithm, and both can meet the needs of oral clinical applications to a certain extent.
Ivermectin Augments the Anti-Cancer Activity of Pitavastatin in Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Jawad Mohammed Jasim , Richardson Alan
Published: March 2023

We have previously shown that pitavastatin has the potential to be used to treat ovarian cancer, although relatively high doses are likely to be necessary. One solution to this problem is to identify drugs that are synergistic with pitavastatin, thereby reducing the dose that is necessary to have a therapeutic effect. Here, we tested combinations of pitavastatin with the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin in six ovarian cancer cell lines. When tested on its own, ivermectin inhibited the growth of the cells but only with modest potency (IC50 = 10–20 µM). When the drugs were combined and assessed in cell growth assays, ivermectin showed synergy with pitavastatin in 3 cell lines and this was most evident in COV-318 cells (combination index ~ 0.6). Ivermectin potentiated the reduction in COV-318 cell viability caused by pitavastatin by 20–25% as well as potentiating apoptosis induced by pitavastatin, assessed by activation of caspase-3/7 (2–4 fold) and annexin-labelling (3–5 fold). These data suggest that ivermectin may be useful in the treatment of ovarian cancer when combined with pitavastatin, but methods to achieve an adequate ivermectin concentration in tumour tissue will be necessary.
Comparative Research of Internal and Border Regions: Analyzing the Differences in the Cyclical Dynamics of Industries for Industrial Policy and Territorial Development
Authors: Khmeleva Galina Anatolievna , Semenychev Valerii Konstantinovich , Korobetskaya Anastasiya Aleksandrovna , Kurnikova Marina Viktorovna , Fedorenko Roman , Tóth Balázs István
Published: March 2023

The differentiation in the development of regions remains a major challenge for the working out-of-state industrial and regional policies aimed at balanced and sustainable development. In theory, regional differences between internal and border regions can be explained by differences in natural resources, and economic and industrial potential, as well as by the existence of external boundaries. Border regions have higher risks in ensuring the geo-political sustainability of an industry. External boundaries, as well as differences in industry dynamics between regions, cycle stages, and industry trends, are often overlooked in industrial policy making, which in itself can be a factor of volatility. In this research based upon the Russian economy, we test the hypothesis that it is possible to define the industrial cycle with the help of the index of production. The analysis is based on the official Russian statistics from January 2005 to December 2021. To test the hypothesis, an original 12-step method of analysis was used, which allows such a mathematical model to be selected that will best describe the industry cycle and allows the trend to be estimated. The cyclic dynamics were assessed with the help of structural and parametric identification of modeling and the forecasting of trajectories of evolving dynamics based upon econophysics methodology, the use of median trends, and wavelet analysis. The comparative study was made based on the example of four sectors: the food, chemical, pharmaceutical (production of medicines and materials used for medical purposes), and automotive industries. The results show, first, that there are significant differences in the dynamics of industry cycles in both the internal and the border regions, which need to be taken into account to implement the progressive economic structure and specialization strategies of a region. Secondly, the group of border regions in the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries is growing at a higher rate.
The Relationship between Innovation and the Performance of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses in the Industrial Sector: The Mediating Role of CSR
Authors: Becerra-Vicario Rafael , Ruiz-Palomo Daniel , León-Gómez Ana , Santos-Jaén José Manuel
Published: March 2023

This paper analyses the effect of innovation on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mediates this relationship. In order to evaluate our assumptions, a partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was applied to a sample of 769 Spanish SMEs through a telephone survey conducted with company managers. The findings show that innovation and CSR have an impact on performance. Additionally, to these strong direct effects, CSR has a side effect that strengthens the beneficial effects of innovation on performance. Finally, the results demonstrate significant implications for both SME managers and owners, as they help them to develop innovation-related strategies, which will lead to higher organizational performance.
Bringing Economic and Political Power Back In: A Call for Re-Politicising Development Research
Authors: Zikos Dimitrios , Wurzel Ulrich
Published: March 2023

In the mainstream development debate during recent years, among others, there have been two influential camps opposing each other. The first one identifies the environmental context, the “natural” variable, as the ultimate cause that determines the socio-economic development trajectory of a society. The second influential approach argues that “the social” variable (i.e., political institutions) and not “the natural” variable is the sphere in which to look for the main explanatory variables for developmental outcomes. In this paper, we argue that although each approach has its own merits, they equally fail to address hot issues in the realm of economic development. They give an incomplete cause-and-effect picture of the ongoing, complex and vital-for-development processes, and they are equally incapable of identifying plausible explanatory variables regarding developmental successes and failures. Our aim is not to discredit the valuable body of work on either of these approaches, but instead to spark a discussion that would enable more creative, inter- and multidisciplinary research into the missing causal links between the propositions of key authors representing the aforementioned approaches and the fallacies that need to be addressed. Our position is that this is the only path that can lead to a meaningful synthesis capable of paving the way for a breakthrough in development economics and sustainable development studies.
From Passion to Abyss: The Mental Health of Athletes during COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Pitacho Liliana , da Palma Patrícia Jardim , Correia Pedro , Cordeiro João Pedro
Published: March 2023

The outbreak and pandemic of COVID-19 forced people into extreme isolation and social distancing, with significant limitations on various activity sectors, including sports. This study aimed to assess the psychological health status of athletes during sports lockdown. Additionally, we intend to verify the mediating role of sleep disorders in stress perception and subjective happiness. Our sample was composed of 1492 Portuguese athletes from eight different team sports. During sports lockdown, athletes were found to have high stress levels and low subjective happiness levels and experience sleep disorders. Finally, these results conclude that sports lockdowns harm athletes’ psychological health and well-being. Pay cuts to athletes are an extra stress factor that exacerbate these adverse effects on psychological health. Finally, sleep is a mediator variable between stress perception and subjective happiness levels. This study’s significant contributions, limitations, and future directions are discussed in the conclusion.