bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supervised Machine Learning Tools and PUF Based Internet of Vehicles Authentication Framework
Authors: Sadhu Pintu Kumar , Eickholt Jesse , Yanambaka Venkata P. , Abdelgawad Ahmed
Published: November 2022

The recent advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT) in the fields of smart vehicles and integration empowers all cars to join to the internet and transfer sensitive traffic information. To enhance the security for the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) and maintain privacy, this paper proposes an ultralight authentication scheme. Physical unclonable function (PUF), supervised machine learning (SML), and XOR functions are used to authenticate both server and device in a two message flow. The proposed framework can authenticate devices with a low computation time (3 ms) compared to other proposed frameworks while protecting against existing potential threats. Furthermore, the proposed framework needs low overhead (21 bytes) that avoids adding to the IoV network’s workload. Moreover, SML makes weak PUF responses as random numbers to provide the functionality of a strong PUF for the framework. In addition, both formal (Burrows, Abadi, Needham (BAN) logic) and informal analysis are presented to show the resistance against known attacks.
An S-Band-Receiving Phased-Array Antenna with a Phase-Deviation-Minimized Calibration Method for LEO Satellite Ground Station Applications
Authors: Lee Dong-Hyo , Seo Jung-Won , Lee Myeong-Shin , Chung Daewon , Lee Dongkook , Bang Jae-Hoon , Satriyotomo Bagas , Pyo Seongmin
Published: November 2022

This study presents a new S-band-receiving phased-array antenna with a phase-deviation-minimized calibration method for the ground station of a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite. The proposed antenna consists of 16 subarrays, 16 beamforming receiving RF modules (BF-RFMs), a power/control board, and a 16-way feed network. The subarray was achieved by joining two 8 × 1 arrays with a two-way power combiner. The 16-element antenna subarrays showed a gain of 16.1 dBi and a reflection coefficient of less than −10 dB from 2.12 GHz to 2.45 GHz. The BF-RFM, which consists of three low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), a power combiner, a phase shifter, and a digital attenuator, was designed and fabricated. The BF-RFMs were provided by the power/control board and showed a gain of 30.8 ± 0.8 dB, an amplitude root-mean-square (RMS) error from 0.25 dB to 0.28 dB, and a phase RMS error from 1.8° to 2.5° over the Rx frequency range. The arrangement procedures of the 16 BF-RFMs are presented to increase beam pointing accuracy at the desired angle. A commercial 16-way feed network was employed to combine all the output ports of the 16 BF-RFMs. The assembled antenna, which has dimensions of 1.58 m × 1.58 m × 0.2 m, was measured by partial and full scans in the near-field scanning system. The back-projected algorithm was employed to calibrate the antenna’s gain patterns in the partial scan. The implemented phased-array antenna had a gain greater than 28.14 dBi, sidelobe levels less than −17.1 dB, and beam pointing errors less than 0.07° over the beam pointing angle of −20~+20°. Based on the implemented antenna system, we conducted a field test using KOMPSAT-5, which is actually operating in South Korea, in order to verify the performance of the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite ground station system.
Inverse Dynamics Modeling and Analysis of Healthy Human Data for Lower Limb Rehabilitation Robots
Authors: Song Lulu , Wang Aihui , Zhong Junpei
Published: November 2022

Bio-controllers inspired by the characteristics of the human lower limb play an important role in the study of lower limb rehabilitation robots (LLRRs). However, the inverse dynamics modeling of robots for human lower limb rehabilitation remains a challenging issue due to the non-linear and strong coupling characteristics of the bio-controller. To further improve the inverse dynamics model’s accuracy, this paper proposes the use of a non-parametric modeling approach in order to learn it. In detail, the main idea is to use the motion data of the main joints of the lower limbs of healthy people as an input and the corresponding joint moments as an output, which are learned through the training of a neural network. To ensure that the learned model can be used on LLRRs, all data collected in this paper are real data from human lower limbs. In addition, since the type of data collected is time series, this paper proposes the use of the long short-term memory (LSTM) and gated recurrent unit (GRU) networks to learn the inverse dynamics model of the robot-like human lower limb and to compare the learning effects of the two networks. The evaluation metric for both network models is the root mean square error (RMSE). The experimental results show that both networks have sound learning effects, and that the GRU network has a more significant learning ability than the LSTM network.
Enhancing of Electrical and Dielectric Properties of Barium Zirconate Titanate/Poly (Vinylidene Fluoride) Nano-Composites
Authors: Henaish A. M. A. , Zakaly Hesham M. H. , Hemeda O. M. , Weinstein I. A. , El-Shahawy M. M. , Darwish K. A.
Published: November 2022

The effects of poly (vinylidene fluoride, PVDF) on barium zirconate titanate nanoparticles has been studied. Different concentrations of (BZT-PVDF) nanocomposites using the formula [x (PVDF)/(1 − x) BZT] (where x = zero, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1) were prepared using the hot pressing method. The BZT nanoparticle was prepared using the tartrate precursor route method. The Dc resistivity as a function of reciprocal temperature (1000/T) K−1 for the composite samples has been studied. The dielectric constant (ε) increases with the amount of BZT, which can be described as the increase of interfacial space charge polarization between (PVDF-BZT) nano-composites and the increase in the ionic mobility of the polymer. The ferroelectric hysteresis of prepared nano-composites has been investigated. The increase of BZT content raises the slope of the hysteresis loop and hence the dielectric polarization, which may be attributed to the dominance of smaller grain size and tetragonality. The increasing in dielectric properties for the prepared samples is very useful in industrial applications, such as sensors, actuators and transducers.
Detection Method of Fry Feeding Status Based on YOLO Lightweight Network by Shallow Underwater Images
Authors: Yang Haihui , Shi Yinyan , Wang Xiaochan
Published: November 2022

Pellet feed is widely used in fry feeding, which cannot sink to the bottom in a short time, so most fries eat in shallow underwater areas. Aiming at the characteristics of fry feeding, we present herein a nondestructive and rapid detection method based on a shallow underwater imaging system and deep learning framework to obtain fry feeding status. Towards this end, images of fry feeding in shallow underwater areas and floating uneaten pellets were captured, following which they were processed to reduce noise and enhance data information. Two characteristics were defined to reflect fry feeding behavior, and a YOLOv4-Tiny-ECA network was used to detect them. The experimental results indicate that the network works well, with a detection speed of 108FPS and a model size of 22.7 MB. Compared with other outstanding detection networks, the YOLOv4-Tiny-ECA network is better, faster, and has stronger robustness in conditions of sunny, cloudy, and bubbles. It indicates that the proposed method can provide technical support for intelligent feeding in factory fry breeding with natural light.
Vehicle Motion Prediction Algorithm Based on Artificial Potential Field Correction and Fuzzy C-Mean Driving Intention Classification
Authors: Ma Wenda , Zhu Yuan , Wu Zhihong
Published: November 2022

Predicting the trajectories of surrounding vehicles plays an important role in the driving safety of autonomous vehicles. It impacts the decision making, path planning, and vehicle motion control process in autonomous vehicles. However, due to the uncertainty of vehicle dynamics, driving intention, and the complexity of the surrounding environment, there are interactions between vehicles and other issues, and their motion prediction faces great challenges. This paper proposes a trajectory prediction algorithm combining driving intention classification and environmental interaction correction to overcome the leading vehicle movement prediction problem. In order to solve the problems of uncertainty in predicting vehicle driving intention and nonlinearity between future vehicle movements and the environment, a driving intention recognition based on the Fuzzy C-mean algorithm and a forward vehicle motion prediction algorithm combining multi-model prediction results are proposed. The artificial potential field method is also used to model vehicle interaction and correct the trajectory prediction results. Finally, the real vehicle data validation proves that this algorithm has high prediction accuracy.
Galactitol Transport Factor GatA Relieves ATP Supply Restriction to Enhance Acid Tolerance of Escherichia coli in the Two-Stage Fermentation Production of D-Lactate
Authors: Yang Jinhua , Peng Zheng , Ji Xiaomei , Zhang Juan , Du Guocheng
Published: November 2022

Escherichia coli is a major contributor to the industrial production of organic acids, but its production capacity and cost are limited by its acid sensitivity. Enhancing acid resistance in E. coli is essential for improving cell performance and production value. Here, we propose a feasible strategy for improving cellular acid tolerance by reducing ATP supply restriction. Transcriptome assays of acid-tolerant evolved strains revealed that the galactitol phosphotransferase system transporter protein GatA is an acid-tolerance factor that assists E. coli in improving its resistance to a variety of organic acids. Enhanced GatA expression increased cell survival under conditions of lethal stress due to D-lactic acid, itaconic acid and succinic acid by 101.8-fold, 29.4-fold and 41.6-fold, respectively. In addition, fermentation patterns for aerobic growth and oxygen-limited production of D-lactic acid were identified, and suitable transition and induction stages were evaluated. GatA effectively compensated for the lack of cellular energy during oxygen limitation and enabled the D-lactic acid producing strain to exhibit more sustainable productivity in acidic fermentation environments with a 55.7% increase in D-lactic acid titer from 9.5 g·L−1 to 14.8 g·L−1 and reduced generation of by-product. Thus, this study developed a method to improve the acid resistance of E. coli cells by compensating for the energy gap without affecting normal cell metabolism while reducing the cost of organic acid production.
Development of 100% Linseed Flax Yarns with Improved Mechanical Properties and Durability for Geotextiles Applications
Authors: Khan Saif Ullah , Bar Mahadev , Evon Philippe , Labonne Laurent , Ouagne Pierre
Published: November 2022

Due to the ever-growing demand for bast fibres for technical and garment textiles, complementary sources to textile flax, whose cultivation in western Europe cannot really be extended, need to be proposed. In this study, the interest in harvesting and processing linseed flax straw is studied for geotextile applications. The main critical stages of fibre-to-yarn production for geotextiles were investigated. Different dew retting levels as well as different all-fibre extraction processes were investigated to achieve this objective. It was demonstrated that the fibres extracted from linseed flax stems subjected to 12 weeks of dew retting using breaking rollers, thresher and a breaking card exhibited the most suitable morphological and mechanical properties. The optimal fibres were converted into 100% linseed flax yarns using a flyer spinning machine, and the mechanical properties as well as the biodegradability of the linseed yarns were evaluated to understand their potential as geotextiles. These linseed flax yarns were further coated with linseed oil or chitosan to enhance their durability. It was observed that the linseed oil coating better preserved the yarn’s integrity and mechanical properties over time, and it permitted doubling their service life potential.
Constant High Temperature Promotes Early Changes in Testis Development Associated with Sexual Maturation in Male Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.) Post-Smolts
Authors: Pino Martinez Enrique , Braanaas Markus Førde , Balseiro Pablo , Kraugerud Marianne , Pedrosa Cindy , Imsland Albert Kjartan Dagbjartarson , Handeland Sigurd O.
Published: November 2022

Sexual maturation of post-smolts is a concern for Atlantic salmon producers, and its occurrence is dependent upon factors such as water temperature and energy availability, among others. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of different temperatures and feeding regimes on testis development and local regulation of spermatogenesis in salmon post-smolts. A 3 × 2 factorial design was used, with three temperatures (8 °C, 12.5 °C, and 18 °C) and two feed regimes (100% and 67% ration). Salmon (1800 parr, initial mean weight 23.1 ± 7.2 g) were reared from 28 October 2018 to 30 May 2019 in a freshwater flow-through system under continuous light (LD24:0), except for a 5-week winter signal (LD12:12) introduced on 4 February 2019. Testis histology, transcription of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (fshr) and luteinizing hormone receptor (lhr), and transcription of testis proteins involved in spermatogenesis regulation such as gonadal-soma-derived factors 1 (gsdf1) and 2 (gsdf2), anti-Müllerian hormone (amh), and insulin-like growth factor-3 (igf3), were analyzed. Results showed that high temperature alone (18 °C), irrespective of the feed regime, promoted early presence of type B spermatogonia and reduced transcript levels of the proliferation-inhibitory factor amh in males still considered immature, of groups 18–100% and 18–67% that later matured in high proportion (~100%). This effect was also present to some degree in the group 12.5–100% (40% maturation), and absent in 12.5–67%, 8–100%, and 8–67% (groups with little or no maturation). Later, at onset of rapid testis growth, high temperature was linked to a pronounced downregulation of amh and of the self-renewal factors gsdf1 and gsdf2, as well as to a pronounced upregulation of the proliferation-stimulating factor igf3. Overall, the present findings demonstrate that rearing salmon at high temperatures can stimulate an early activation of the brain–pituitary–gonad axis before actual onset of rapid testis growth, enhancing and accelerating the mechanisms that control initiation and progression of maturation, while the feed regime has a minor impact. This poses a challenge for current salmon aquaculture practices that use sustained high temperature to maximize growth, since these practices increase the risk of early post-smolt maturation.
Probiotic of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NWAFU-BIO-BS29 Isolated from Chinese Traditional Fermented Milk and Its Potential Therapeutic Applications Based on Gut Microbiota Regulation
Authors: Ismael Mohamedelfatieh , Gu Yaxin , Cui Yanlong , Wang Tao , Yue Fangfang , Qin Yanting , Lü Xin
Published: November 2022

Lactic acid bacteria are one of the bioresources that can promote the host’s health and have potential therapeutic applications. This study aimed to evaluate the probiotic properties of novel Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NWAFU-BISO-BS29 isolated in vitro from traditional Chinese fermented milk, assess its safety, and study its interaction with the gut microbiota using a BALB/c mouse model. The findings reveal that this strain had a high tolerance to gastric acidity (64.4%) and bile salts (19.83–87.92%) with remarkable auto-aggregation and co-aggregation abilities (33.01–83.96%), respectively. Furthermore, it lowered the cholesterol levels in dead cells (44.02%) and live cells (34.95%) and produced short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Likewise, it showed good antioxidant properties and strong antipathogen activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with inhibition zones at 21 and 25 mm, respectively. The safety assessment results indicate that all of the virulence factor genes were not detected in the whole DNA; additionally, no hemolysis or resistance to antibiotics commonly used in food and feed was observed. Interestingly, the 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the mouse gut microbiota showed a marked alteration in the microbial composition of the administrated group, with a noticeable increase in Firmicutes, Patescibacteria, Campylobacterota, Deferribacterota, Proteobacteria, and Cyanobacteria at the phylum level. The modulation of gut microbial diversity significantly improved the production of SCFCs due to the abundance of lactobacillus genera, which was consistent with the functional gene predictive analysis and is believed to have health-promoting properties. Based on these results, our novel strain is considered a safe and good probiotic and could hold high potential to be used as a starter culture or to safely supplement functional foods as a probiotic and may provide new insights into therapeutic interventions.
Inhibiting Effects of Ginger and Rosemary on the Formation of Heterocyclic Amines, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, and Trans Fatty Acids in Fried Pork Balls
Authors: He Xiaomei , Li Baichenyang , Yu Xiaoyan , Zhuang Yuan , Li Changmo , Dong Lu , Zhang Yan , Wang Shuo
Published: November 2022

The preparation of fried meat products is prone to the formation of large amounts of heterocyclic amines (HCAs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and trans fatty acids (TFAs), which are potential risks to human health. Spices contain natural antioxidants that can inhibit the oxidation of fats and oils and the formation of hazardous substances. In this experiment, the effect of adding different levels (0.25%, 0.75%, 1.25%) of ginger or rosemary during meatball preparation on the formation of HCAs, PAHs and TFAs in fried pork balls was investigated. The results showed that the addition of ginger and rosemary reduced the content of HCAs in fried pork balls compared to the control group (no added spices). The inhibition of total HCAs was 63% when 0.25% ginger was added, while the total HCA content was reduced to 59% when 0.25% rosemary was added. The addition of 0.25% and 0.75% rosemary reduced the PAH content in fried pork balls by 30% and 35%. In addition, ginger and rosemary showed significant inhibition of C20:1 11t in TFAs, with a maximum inhibition rate of 40%. Therefore, adding appropriate levels of ginger or rosemary to fried pork balls could simultaneously inhibit the formation of HCAs, PAHs, and TFAs.
Hidden Spectra Treasures in the Foster Archive: A Pilot Study of the Be Stars α Eri, α Col, ω Car and η Cen
Authors: Arcos Catalina , Vanzi Leonardo , Vogt Nikolaus , Garcia Stefano , Ortiz Virginia , Acuña Ester
Published: November 2022

We present the archive of spectroscopic photographic plates of the Universidad Católica historic observatory Manuel Foster. The archive includes more than 4800 plates covering the period of time from 1928 to 1991. The spectra present in the archive are mostly those of bright variable or binary stars observed at different epochs. We developed a method of digitalization and data processing for the plates and verified it through the analysis of a selected sample of spectra. As an example of the potential relevance of this Foster archive we studied the variation of helium, Hβ and Hγ spectral lines over time (1980−1991), complementing with high resolution spectroscopic data from the “Be Star Observation Survey” (2012−2015), of four Be stars mainly, α Eri, α Col, ω Car and η Cen. The spectra of these stars show evidence of a circumstellar gas disk present in both periods of time. From the spectroscopic analysis, we found these stars are variable in helium and this variability presents an opposite behavior with the variability observed in the EW of the Hβ line profile. This archive represents a unique source of data from past that is available for the use of the community.
Healthy Lifestyle Behavior, Goal Setting, and Personality among Older Adults: A Synthesis of Literature Reviews and Interviews
Authors: Wong Ming Yu Claudia , Ou Kai-ling , Chung Pak Kwong
Published: November 2022

Background: Despite the well-known health benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle, older adults’ self-determination, goals, and motivation, as well as other personality factors, are known to influence their healthy lifestyle behaviors, yet these interactions have rarely been discussed. Method: The literature that investigated and discussed the interaction of personality, goals, and healthy lifestyle behaviors among older adults was reviewed. In addition, interview responses from older adults regarding their experiences in participating in a real-life physical activity intervention and its relationship with their personality traits and goal setting were synthesized using content analysis. Results: The current review highlights the relationship between healthy living practices, goal setting, and personalities, and it is backed up and expanded upon by interviews with participants. People with different personality types are likely to have diverse views on HLBs. Individuals who are more conscientiousness or extraverted are more likely to adopt HLBs than those who are not. Discussion: It is suggested that a meta-analysis should be conducted on the relationship between personality, goal setting, and physical exercise or other specific HLBs. In addition, future research should focus on various types of HLB therapies that take into account personality and goal setting.
When William Came to Japan: A Comparative Study of When William Came and the Post-War Period of Japan
Authors: Fukamachi Satoru
Published: November 2022

When William Came (1913) is Hector Hugh Munro’s (Saki) novel that describes the German invasion of Britain and its aftermath. It has been regarded as a propaganda novel since its publication, calling for conscription and the like; however, its psychological portrayal of Londoners under German rule is worth reading. Though there are studies on the literary and cultural aspects of this work, none have examined how realistic his depiction would be if Britain had lost the war. However, the premise of this work—how to live in a situation where a traditionally powerful nation is defeated and, because it is an island nation, it is impossible to reverse its defeat—can be historically examined. This study examines the accuracy of Munro’s imaginings by comparing his imagined post-war British people with real post-World War II Japanese people. Although it can be argued that Munro was optimistic about the existence of the colonies, the results show numerous similarities between the changes in the two populations, before and after the war, and in their feelings towards the victorious nation. Munro’s insights into people were surprisingly profound.
Habilitation of Executive Functions in Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease Patients through LEGO®-Based Therapy: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Espinosa-Garamendi Eduardo , Labra-Ruiz Norma Angélica , Naranjo Lizbeth , Chávez-Mejía Claudia Andrea , Valenzuela-Alarcón Erika , Mendoza-Torreblanca Julieta Griselda
Published: November 2022

Congenital heart disease is defined as an abnormality in the cardiocirculatory structure or function. Various studies have shown that patients with this condition may present cognitive deficits. To compensate for this, several therapeutic strategies have been developed, among them, the LEGO® Education sets, which use the pedagogic enginery to modify cognitive function by didactic material based on mechanics and robotics principles. Accordingly, the goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of cognitive habilitation by using LEGO®-based therapy in pediatric congenital heart disease patients. This was a quasi-experimental study; eligible patients were identified, and their general data were obtained. In the treatment group, an initial evaluation with the neuropsychological BANFE-2 test was applied; then, once a week, the interventions were performed, with a final test at the end of the interventions. In the control group, after the initial evaluation, a second appointment was scheduled for the final evaluation. Our results show that >50% of children presented cognitive impairment; nevertheless, there was an overall improvement in treatment patients, showing a significant increase in BANFE scores in areas related to executive functions. LEGO®-based therapy may be useful to improve cognitive abilities; however, future research should be performed to strengthen the data.
Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of a Remote Digital Musculoskeletal Program: An Ad Hoc Analysis from a Longitudinal Study with a Non-Participant Comparison Group
Authors: Areias Anabela C. , Costa Fabíola , Janela Dora , Molinos Maria , Moulder Robert G. , Lains Jorge , Scheer Justin K. , Bento Virgílio , Yanamadala Vijay , Correia Fernando Dias
Published: November 2022

Digital solutions have emerged as an alternative to conventional physiotherapy, particularly for chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) management; however, its long-term effects remain largely unexplored. This study focuses on patients reporting CMP, assessing 1-year clinical outcomes after a multimodal digital care program (DCP) versus non-participants, who enrolled in the program but never engaged in a single exercise session or partook of the educational content made available to them. In this longitudinal study ad-hoc analysis, pain and functionality outcomes at 1-year reassessment were studied, focusing on the odds of reaching minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and, overall average reduction in both outcomes. Healthcare utilization was additionally studied within the same period. From 867 individuals allocated to the study, 460 completed the 1-year reassessment (intervention group: 310; comparison group: 150). The intervention group presented sustained and greater pain reduction until 1-year reassessment than the comparison group, reflecting greater odds ratio of achieving the MCID both in pain and functionality (1.90 95% CI: 1.27–2.86, p = 0.002 and 2.02 95% CI: 1.31–3.12, p = 0.001, respectively). A lower healthcare utilization during the 1-year follow-up was observed in the intervention group than in the comparison group. This study suggests that a digital CMP program may have a lasting impact on improved pain and functionality in patients with CMP.
Cyproconazole Translocation in Coconut Palm Tree Using Vegetative Endotherapy: Evaluation by LC-MS/MS and Mathematical Modeling
Authors: Ferreira Jordana Alves , Fassoni Artur César , Ferreira Joana Maria Santos , Lins Paulo Manoel Pontes , Bottoli Carla Beatriz Grespan
Published: November 2022

Endotherapy is a potential eco-friendly alternative to conventional pesticide application techniques in coconut (Cocos nucifera Linn.) palms. Field trials applying cyproconazole by vegetative endotherapy using two different injection methods, pressurized and nonpressurized, were tested. Stem samples above the injection point were collected 2 to 45 days after application, and fruits were collected up to 45 to 120 days after application. Residue analyses on the coconut fruit and stem above the point of application of cyproconazole were performed on different days using modified QuEChERS (an acronym for “quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe”) and LC-MS/MS MS (liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry). For cyproconazole application in 2 m tall hybrid coconut palms, the residue analysis results revealed that the pressurized method achieves faster translocation and higher concentrations of cyproconazole in the upper part than the nonpressurized method, even when applying half the volume. After 120 days of application, both methods showed residue-free fruits, ensuring fruit quality. Based on these experimental results, mathematical models were developed to aid in interpreting translocation in the stem. The modeling was extrapolated for taller coconut palms, and a prediction was simulated for coconut leaf disease. The modeling was fitted to the stem translocation data, indicating that the pressurized method performs better in translocation efficiency.
Different Ways Ambient and Immobile Population Distributions Influence Urban Crime Patterns
Authors: Sypion-Dutkowska Natalia , Lan Minxuan , Dutkowski Marek , Williams Victoria
Published: November 2022

The article aims to propose a new way of estimating the ambient and immobile urban population using geotagged tweets and age structure, and to test how they are related to urban crime patterns. Using geotagged tweets and age structure data in 37 neighborhoods of Szczecin, Poland, we analyzed the following crime types that occurred during 2015–2017: burglary in commercial buildings, drug crime, fight and battery, property damage, and theft. Using negative binomial regression models, we found a positive correlation between the size of the ambient population and all investigated crime types. Additionally, neighborhoods with more immobile populations (younger than 16 or older than 65) tend to experience more commercial burglaries, but not other crime types. This may be related to the urban structure of Szczecin, Poland. Neighborhoods with higher rates of poverty and unemployment tend to experience more commercial burglaries, drug problems, property damage, and thefts. Additionally, the count of liquor stores is positively related to drug crime, fight-battery, and theft. This article suggests that the age structure of the population has an influence on the distribution of crime, thus it is necessary to tailor crime prevention strategies for different areas of the city.
Ship Target Recognition Based on Context-Enhanced Trajectory
Authors: Kong Zhan , Cui Yaqi , Xiong Wei , Xiong Zhenyu , Xu Pingliang
Published: November 2022

Ship target recognition based on trajectories has great potential in the field of target recognition. In the existing research, the context information is ignored, which limits the improvement of ship target recognition ability. In addition, the process of trajectory feature extraction is complex, and recognition accuracy needs to be further improved. In this paper, a ship target recognition method based on a context-enhanced trajectory is proposed. The maritime context knowledge base is constructed to enhance the trajectory information and to improve the separability of different types of target trajectories. A deep learning model is used to extract trajectory features and context features automatically. Offline training and online recognition are adopted to complete the target recognition task. Experimental analysis and verification are carried out using the automatic identification system (AIS) dataset. The recognition accuracy increases by 7.91% after context enhancement, which shows that the context enhancement is efficient. The proposed method also has a strong anti-noise ability. In the noisy environment set in this paper, the recognition accuracy of the proposed method is still maintained at 86.13%.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Telomeres
Authors: Mulet Alba , Signes-Costa Jaime
Published: November 2022

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is an interstitial lung disease of unknown etiology with a highly compromised prognosis and a significant mortality rate within a few years of diagnosis. Despite being idiopathic, it has been shown that telomeric shortening could play an important role in its etiopathogenesis. Mutations in telomere-related genes have been identified, but they are not always present despite telomere shortening. On the other hand, this telomeric shortening has been linked to a worse prognosis of the disease independently of other clinical factors, implying it may serve as a biomarker.
Schober Test and Its Modifications Revisited—What Are We Actually Measuring? Computerized Tomography-Based Analysis
Authors: Hershkovich Oded , Grevitt Michael Paul , Lotan Raphael
Published: November 2022

Objective: Examine Schober test’s (ST), Modified ST (MST), and Modified–Modified ST (MMST) surface markers’ accuracy in spanning lumbar L1-S1 motion segments and repeatability related to actual patient anatomy as measured on sagittal CT scans. Methods: The study included 25 patients of varying heights, weights, and gender without prior spinal surgery or deformity. Researchers assessed patients’ CT scans for ST, MST, and MMST skin levels of the measured cephalic and caudal endpoints. Results: The original ST failed to include at least one lumbar motion segment in all patients, omitting the L1-L2 motion segment in 17 patients and the L2-L3 in another eight. The additional cephalic length of the MST did not improve the inclusion of the actual L1-S1 components. The MMST measured 19 ‘patients’ entire L1-S1 motion segments, reaching a 76% accuracy rate. WMST, measuring 16 cm (instead of MMST’s 15 cm), improved the measurement significantly, measuring the L1-S1 motion segments in all cases (with 100% accuracy). Conclusion: ST and its modifications fail to span the L1-S1 motion segments and are thus prone to underestimating lumbar spine motion. This study shows that the WMST is much more accurate than previous modifications and is a better tool for evaluating lumbar spine motion.
Transversus Abdominis Plane Block as a Strategy for Effective Pain Management in Patients with Pain during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alsharari Abdalkarem Fedgash , Abuadas Faud Hamdi , Alnassrallah Yaser Salman , Salihu Dauda
Published: November 2022

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), unlike laparotomy, is an invasive surgical procedure, and some patients report mild to moderate pain after surgery. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block has been shown to be an appropriate method for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. However, there have been few studies on the efficacy of TAP block after LC surgery, with unclear information on the optimal dose, long-term effects, and clinical significance, and the analgesic efficacy of various procedures, hence the need for this review. Five electronic databases (PubMed, Academic Search Premier, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library) were searched for eligible studies published from inception to the present. Post-mean and standard deviation values for pain assessed were extracted, and mean changes per group were calculated. Clinical significance was determined using the distribution-based approach. Four different local anesthetics (Bupivacaine, Ropivacaine, Lidocaine, and Levobupivacaine) were used at varying concentrations from 0.2% to 0.375%. Ten different drug solutions (i.e., esmolol, Dexamethasone, Magnesium Sulfate, Ketorolac, Oxycodone, Epinephrine, Sufentanil, Tropisetron, normal saline, and Dexmedetomidine) were used as adjuvants. The optimal dose of local anesthetics for LC could be 20 mL with 0.4 mL/kg for port infiltration. Various TAP procedures such as ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (US-TAP) block and other strategies have been shown to be used for pain management in LC; however, TAP blockade procedures were reported to be the most effective method for analgesia compared with general anesthesia and port infiltration. Instead of 0.25% Bupivacaine, 1% Pethidine could be used for the TAP block procedures. Multimodal analgesia could be another strategy for pain management. Analgesia with TAP blockade decreases opioid consumption significantly and provides effective analgesia. Further studies should identify the long-term effects of different TAP block procedures.
Total Hip Arthroplasty Patients with Distinct Postoperative Fibrinolytic Phenotypes Require Different Antifibrinolytic Strategies
Authors: Liu Jiacheng , Chen Bowen , Wu Xiangdong , Wang Han , Zuo Xiaohai , Lei Yiting , Huang Wei
Published: November 2022

Bleeding patients exhibit different fibrinolytic phenotypes after injury, and the universal use of tranexamic acid (TXA) is doubted. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of postoperative antifibrinolytic treatment in total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients with different fibrinolytic phenotypes. A retrospective analysis was conducted in 238 patients who underwent THA. Patients were divided into two groups by different fibrinolytic phenotypes (non-fibrinolytic shutdown and fibrinolytic shutdown), determined by the LY30 level on postoperative day 1 (POD1). The two groups were further stratified into four sub-groups based on different postoperative TXA regimens (Group A received no TXA postoperatively, while Group B did). Hidden blood loss (HBL), decline of hemoglobin (ΔHb), D-dimer (D-D), fibrinogen/fibrin degradation product (FDP), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and demographics were collected and compared. The clinical baseline data were comparable between the studied groups. In patients who presented non-fibrinolytic shutdown postoperatively, Group B suffered significantly lower HBL and ΔHb than Group A on POD3 and POD5. In patients who presented postoperative fibrinolytic shutdown, Group B failed to benefit from the postoperative administration of TXA when compared to Group A. No difference was found in postoperative levels of D-D, FDP, PT, and APTT. Postoperative antifibrinolytic therapy is beneficial for THA patients who presented non-fibrinolytic shutdown postoperatively, while the efficacy and necessity should be considered with caution in those with fibrinolytic shutdown. LY30 is a promising parameter to distinguish different fibrinolytic phenotypes and guide TXA administration. However, further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Newly Diagnosed Crohn’s Disease Patients in India and Israel Display Distinct Presentations and Serological Markers: Insights from Prospective Cohorts
Authors: Goren Idan , Sharar Fischler Tali , Yanai Henit , Pal Partha , Adigopula Bhargavi , Pendyala Sushmitha , Ganesh Girish , Vishnubhotla Ravikanth , Rabinowitz Keren Masha , Shaham Barda Efrat , Yadamreddy Durga , Godny Lihi , Peleg Noam , Banerjee Rupa , Dotan Iris
Published: November 2022

Background: Crohn’s disease (CD) incidence is rising in India. However, features of newly diagnosed patients with CD in this population are largely unknown. The Indo-Israeli IBD GastroEnterology paRtnership (TiiiGER) aimed to investigate differences in presentation among patients with newly diagnosed CD in India and Israel, and to explore phenotype–serotype correlations. Methods: A prospective observational cohort study of consecutive adults (>18 years) conducted in two large referral centers in India and Israel (2014–2018). Clinical data, an antiglycan serological panel, and 20 CD-associated genetic variants were analyzed. Outcomes: complicated phenotype at diagnosis and early complicated course (hospitalizations/surgeries) within 2 years of diagnosis. Results: We included 260 patients (104, Indian (65.4%, male; age, 37.8); 156 Israeli (49.4%, male; 31.8, age)). Median lag time from symptoms onset to diagnosis was 10.5 (IQR 3–38) vs. 3 (IQR 1–8) months in Indian vs. Israeli patients (p < 0.001). Complicated phenotype at diagnosis was observed in 48% of Indian and 30% of Israeli patients (p = 0.003). Complicated phenotype was associated with higher anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA) seropositivity rate among Israeli patients (p < 0.001), but not among Indian patients. Antiglycan serology did not correlate with the tested genetic variants. Early complicated course occurred in 28 (18%) Israeli and 13 (12.5%) Indian patients. The time from diagnosis to complication was comparable (log rank p = 0.152). Antiglycan serology did not correlate with a complicated early course in either cohort. Conclusions: There are significant differences in patients presenting with newly diagnosed CD in India and Israel, including phenotype and distinct biomarkers at diagnosis. These differences suggest different genetic and environmental disease modifiers.
Cystic Fibrosis Patients with F508del/Minimal Function Genotype: Laboratory and Nutritional Evaluations after One Year of Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor Treatment
Authors: Carnovale Vincenzo , Scialò Filippo , Gelzo Monica , Iacotucci Paola , Amato Felice , Zarrilli Federica , Celardo Assunta , Castaldo Giuseppe , Corso Gaetano
Published: November 2022

The last ten years have been characterized by an enormous step forward in the therapy and management of patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), thanks to the development and combination of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Receptor (CFTR) correctors and potentiators. Specifically, the last approved triple combination elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor has been demonstrated to improve lung function in CF patients with both homozygous Phe508del and Phe508del/minimal function genotypes. Here we have assessed the effect of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor in patients carrying the Phe508del/minimal function genotype (n = 20) after one year of treatments on liver function and nutrient absorption with a focus on lipid metabolism. We show that weight, BMI, and albumin significantly increase, suggesting a positive impact of the treatment on nutrient absorption. Furthermore, cholesterol levels as a biomarker of lipid metabolism increased significantly after one year of treatment. Most importantly, we suggest that these results were not dependent on the diet composition, possibly indicating that the drug improves the hepatic synthesis and secretion of proteins and cholesterol.
Combination of Bone-Modifying Agents with Immunotarget Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Bone Metastases
Authors: Chen Zhaoyu , Shen Zhilong , Wang Xiang , Wang Pengru , Zhu Xiaofei , Fan Jiefu , Li Bo , Xu Wei , Xiao Jianru
Published: November 2022

Due to limited investigations about efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) plus immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) versus TKIs alone, and effects of durations of bone modifying agents (BMAs) on the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and bone metastases (BoM), we aim to compare the efficacy of TKIs both alone and in combination with ICIs, as well as comparing long-term and no or perioperative use of BMAs for patients with HCC and BoM. Patients with pathologically confirmed HCC and BoM were included in the study. They were stratified into the TKIs group and the TKIs + ICIs group, and the perioperative and the long-term use of BMAs group. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and disease control rate (DCR) were calculated to assess the response to these regimes. The cumulative risk of initial skeletal-related events (SREs) was used to evaluate treatment efficacy for bone lesions. A total of 21 (33.9%) patients received TKIs (Sorafenib or Lenvatinib) alone and 41 (66.1%) received TKIs + ICIs. The combination group showed higher ORR than monotherapy group (1/21, 4.7% vs. 9/41, 22.0%; p = 0.1432); Additionally, the TKIs + ICIs group offered improved OS (18 months vs. 31 months; p = 0.015) and PFS (10 months vs. 23 months; p = 0.014), while this survival benefits were more profound in virus-infected patients than those non-infected. Prolonged OS (33 months vs. 16 months; p = 0.0048) and PFS (33 months vs. 11 months; p = 0.0027) were observed in patients with long-term use of BMAs compared with no or perioperative use of BMAs. The TKIs + ICIs combination and long-term adjuvant of BMAs may offer a survival advantage for HCC patients with BoM without severe adverse events, which requires further validations.
The Correlation between Periodontal Parameters and Cell-Free DNA in the Gingival Crevicular Fluid, Saliva, and Plasma in Chinese Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhu Xuanzhi , Chu Chao-Jung , Pan Weiyi , Li Yan , Huang Hanyao , Zhao Lei
Published: November 2022

Purpose: To investigate the correlation between periodontal parameters and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) concentrations in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), saliva, and plasma. Methods: Full mouth periodontal parameters, including probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and plaque index (PI) were recorded from 25 healthy volunteers, 31 patients with untreated gingivitis, and 25 patients with untreated periodontitis. GCF, saliva, and plasma samples were collected from all subjects. Extraction and quantification assays were undertaken to determine cfDNA concentrations of each sample. Results: GCF and salivary cfDNA levels were increased with aggravation of periodontal inflammation (GCF p < 0.0001; saliva p < 0.001). Plasma cfDNA concentrations in patients with periodontitis were significantly higher than those in healthy volunteers and patients with gingivitis. GCF and salivary cfDNA were positively correlated with mean PD, max PD, BOP, and mean PI (p < 0.0001), whereas plasma cfDNA was not correlated with BOP (p = 0.099). Conclusion: GCF, saliva, and plasma concentrations of cfDNA were significantly elevated in patients with periodontal disease. There were also positive correlations between cfDNA levels in GCF and saliva and periodontal parameters.
Mechanical Properties of Ti-Nb-Cu Alloys for Dental Machining Applications
Authors: Takahashi Masatoshi , Sato Kotaro , Togawa Genichi , Takada Yukyo
Published: November 2022

Titanium has excellent biocompatibility and good corrosion resistance and is extensively used in dental implants and denture bases. However, pure titanium lacks the strength for use in dental prostheses that require relatively high strength. We developed 15 different types of Ti-Nb-Cu alloys and investigated their alloy phases and mechanical properties, including tensile and yield strength, elongation after fracture, and Vickers hardness. The alloy phases of Ti-8%Nb-2%Cu and Ti-13%Nb-2%Cu were α + β, while those of Ti-5%Nb-5%Cu and Ti-10%Nb-5%Cu were α + Ti2Cu. The tensile strength and hardness of these alloys were significantly higher than those of titanium; however, their elongation was less. In particular, the yield strength of these alloys was more than twice that of titanium. These differences in mechanical properties are attributable to solid–solution strengthening and precipitation strengthening. Other compositions with an alloy phase of α + β + Ti2Cu or β + Ti2Cu had high hardness but not high strength. These results suggest that the Ti-8%Nb-2%Cu, Ti-5%Nb-5%Cu, Ti-13%Nb-2%Cu, and Ti-10%Nb-5%Cu alloys can be applied to dental prostheses, which are subject to very high forces from accessories such as long-span bridges, clasps, implant-retained superstructures, and narrow-diameter implants.
Optimal Assessment of Metastatic Breast Carcinoma: The Value of Cytopathology Combined with Molecular Analysis
Authors: Souza da Silva Ricella , Schmitt Fernando
Published: November 2022

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) remains in most cases an incurable disease with genetic complexity and heterogeneity. Improvements in classification and management have been introduced, in addition to the development of endocrine and anti-HER2 targeted therapies. Currently, efforts are being made to delineate the best approach for the genomic landscape of MBC and, as result, molecular therapeutic targets. Here, we highlight the recent developments in the cytopathology of MBC, discussing cytological diagnostic approaches in the characterization of hallmarks, such as immunocytochemistry and genomic biomarkers. Cytological material can be processed for ancillary testing for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Reassessment of receptor status is indicated due to changes in tumor biology and metastatic presentation. PD-L1 expression is the only approved biomarker for predicting immune checkpoint inhibitor response in metastatic TNBC, evaluated by immunostaining. The feasibility of applying PD-L1 assays in MBC cytological samples can be recommended, with the adoption of a combined positive score. Non-formalin cytological samples provide higher purity, cellular yield, and better tumor fraction for single-multi gene assays. In MBC, molecular tests enable personalized therapy such as PIK3CA, NTRK fusion genes, and MSI. Cytopathology combined with molecular analysis must be performed effectively in routine clinical practice, through procedure standardization and experience dissemination.