bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-Level Sharing and Extraction of Sensing Information with Hybrid V2X Communications
Authors: Teng Rui , Sato Kenya
Published: May 2022

Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communications provide opportunities for information sharing among vehicles, edge servers, and cloud services. By the collection and extraction of sensing information from vehicles, such as communication quality or free space size, the edge server in V2X communications can improve its sensing and perception coverage. However, the collection of sensing data from vehicles consumes a large amount of wireless resources and computing resources at the edge server. The objective of this study is to extract object sensing information from vehicles, including the minimum or maximum of the sensing values, with low resource consumption and with high scalability. We propose a method that transforms the extraction of sensing information into a two-level procedure that includes (1) the local sharing and extraction of sensing information among vehicles and (2) the efficient extraction of sensing information at the edge server. Moreover, hybrid communication methods are employed at vehicles, with a short range of communication between vehicles to reduce the consumption of wireless resources for the local sharing of sensing data. The evaluation results show that the proposed method highly reduces the number of reports from the vehicles to the edge server, with a small amount of network resource consumption and scalability.
Quercus suber: A Promising Sustainable Raw Material for Cosmetic Application
Authors: Mota Sandra , Pinto Cláudia , Cravo Sara , Rocha e Silva Joana , Afonso Carlos , Sousa Lobo José Manuel , Tiritan Maria Elizabeth , Cidade Honorina , Almeida Isabel Filipa
Published: May 2022

There is a drive within the cosmetic industry towards the development of more sustainable products, supported by consumer awareness of the environmental footprint. The cosmetic industry is rising to meet consumer demand by following practices, such as the use of by-products from agro-industrial waste. Quercus suber is a tree prevalent in the Mediterranean basin. The extraction of cork is considered sustainable, as this process does not harm the tree, and the amount of cork produced increases with the number of extractions. Beyond this, the cork industry produces by-products that are used to sustain the industry itself, such as cork powder, which is reused for generating energy. Additionally, cork and cork by-products contain bioactive compounds mainly with antioxidant activity that can be of use to the cosmetic industry, such as for antiaging, anti-acne, anti-inflammatory, and depigmenting cosmetic products. We provide the reader with an overview of the putative cosmetic applications of cork and its by-products as well as of their bioactive compounds. It is noteworthy that only a few cork-based cosmetic products have reached the market, namely antiaging and exfoliant products. Clearly, the use of cork upcycled cosmetic ingredients will evolve in the future considering the wide array of biological activities already reported.
Antimicrobial Resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Sub-Saharan Populations
Authors: Yakobi Sinethemba H. , Pooe Ofentse J.
Published: May 2022

Neisseria gonorrhoeae has become a significant global public health problem due to growing infection rates and antibiotic resistance development. In 2012, N. gonorrhoeae positive samples isolated from Southeast Asia were reported to be the first strains showing resistance to all first-line antibiotics. To date, N. gonorrhoeae’s antimicrobial resistance has since been identified against a wide range of antimicrobial drugs globally. Hence, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed N. gonorrhoeae’s drug resistance as high-priority, necessitating novel therapy development. The persistence of N. gonorrhoeae infections globally underlines the need to better understand the molecular basis of N. gonorrhoeae infection, growing antibiotic resistance, and treatment difficulties in underdeveloped countries. Historically, Africa has had minimal or rudimentary N. gonorrhoeae monitoring systems, and while antimicrobial-resistant N. gonorrhoeae is known to exist, the degree of resistance is unknown. This review looks at the gender-related symptomatic gonorrhoeae disease and provides an overview of the essential bacterial factors for the different stages of pathogenesis, including transmission, immune evasion, and antibiotic resistance. Finally, we deliberate on how molecular epidemiological studies have informed our current understanding of sexual networks in the Sub-Saharan region.
Which Suture to Choose in Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery? Assessment of the Influence of Pancreatic Juice and Bile on the Resistance of Suturing Materials—In Vitro Research
Authors: Gierek Marcin , Merkel Katarzyna , Ochała-Gierek Gabriela , Niemiec Paweł , Szyluk Karol , Kuśnierz Katarzyna
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: The choice of appropriate surgical suture during operation is of great significance. Currently, there are no objective studies regarding the resistance of commonly used sutures in biliary tract surgery. (2) Methods: This fact leads one to conduct research concerning the resistance of the sutures (Polydioxanone, Poliglecaprone, Poliglactin 910, and their analogues coated with antibacterial triclosan) in the environment of sterile and contaminated bile and pancreatic juice. Tensile strength was tested at days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 of research. The study was performed in in vitro conditions for 28 days. (3) Results: Pancreatic juice and bile has a significant influence on the tensile strength of each suture. (4) Conclusions: The study indicated that sutures made of polydioxanone had the best qualities during the entire experiment.
Clinical Correlation of Bladder Electron Microscopic Characteristics in Patients with Detrusor Underactivity of Various Etiologies
Authors: Jhang Jia-Fong , Ho Han-Chen , Jiang Yuan-Hong , Hsu Yung-Hsiang , Kuo Hann-Chorng
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to investigate the ultrastructural characteristics of the bladder of patients with detrusor underactivity (DU) of various etiologies. Twenty-five patients with DU and control subjects underwent urodynamic testing and transmission electron microscopic examination of bladder specimens. The epithelium, lamina propria, and muscle layers were analyzed separately. The DU bladders exhibited total epithelial denudation (52%). In the bladders with remaining epithelium, apical cell uroplakins (44.4%) and tight junction complexes (77.8%) were also noted. The lamina propria was characterized by loose extracellular connective tissue (48%) and a lack of nerve terminals (76%). Smooth muscle shrinkage and a loss of their regular spindle shape (91.6%) were also noted in the detrusor layer. Patients with DU with intact epithelial cell layers had significantly larger void volumes and maximal flow rates than those with mild or severe epithelial denudation. Patients with remaining nerve terminals in lamina propria had a stronger first sensation of filling and smaller residual urine volume than those without nerve terminals. The proportion of ultrastructural defects of the bladder was not significantly different among patients with DU of various etiologies and treatment outcomes. DU bladders were characterized by ultrastructural defects in the entire bladder, and the defects were correlated to clinical parameters.
Hypoxia Induces DPSC Differentiation versus a Neurogenic Phenotype by the Paracrine Mechanism
Authors: Delle Monache Simona , Pulcini Fanny , Santilli Francesca , Martellucci Stefano , Santacroce Costantino , Fabrizi Jessica , Angelucci Adriano , Sorice Maurizio , Mattei Vincenzo
Published: May 2022

As previously described by several authors, dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), when adequately stimulated, may acquire a neuronal-like phenotype acting as a favorable source of stem cells in the generation of nerves. Besides, it is known that hypoxia conditioning is capable of stimulating cell differentiation as well as survival and self-renewal, and that multiple growth factors, including Epidermal Growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), are often involved in the induction of the neuronal differentiation of progenitor cells. In this work, we investigated the role of hypoxia in the commitment of DPSCs into a neuronal phenotype. These cells were conditioned with hypoxia (O2 1%) for 5 and 16 days; subsequently, we analyzed the proliferation rate and morphology, and tested the cells for neural and stem markers. Moreover, we verified the possible autocrine/paracrine role of DPSCs in the induction of neural differentiation by comparing the secretome profile of the hypoxic and normoxic conditioned media (CM). Our results showed that the hypoxia-mediated DPSC differentiation was time dependent. Moreover, conditioned media (CM derived from DPSCs stimulated by hypoxia were able, in turn, to induce the neural differentiation of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and undifferentiated DPSCs. In conclusion, under the herein-mentioned conditions, hypoxia seems to favor the differentiation of DPSCs into neuron-like cells. In this way, we confirm the potential clinical utility of differentiated neuronal DPSCs, and we also suggest the even greater potential of CM-derived-hypoxic DPSCs that could more readily be used in regenerative therapies.
Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Biologics (Secukinumab, Ustekinumab, and Guselkumab) for the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis: Real-World Data from a Single Korean Center
Authors: Jung Seung-Won , Lim Sung Ha , Jeon Jae Joon , Heo Yeon-Woo , Choi Mi Soo , Hong Seung-Phil
Published: May 2022

Biologics are important treatment options for psoriasis; however, direct comparison of their efficacy, safety, and drug survival is insufficient in clinical practice. This retrospective single-center study aimed to compare the efficacy, safety, and drug survival of three commonly used psoriasis biologics (secukinumab, ustekinumab, and guselkumab) and identify the factors affecting drug survival in actual clinics in Korea. We enrolled 111 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and for at least 56 weeks of follow-up; among these, 27, 23, and 61 were administered secukinumab, ustekinumab, and guselkumab, respectively. All groups were comparable with respect to their baseline characteristics. Secukinumab showed a rapid response, and guselkumab was superior in terms of a long-term response and complete remission compared with other biologics, while ustekinumab showed a lower efficacy compared with other biologics. All three biologics had a favorable and similar safety profile; however, allergic reactions and latent tuberculosis were more common with secukinumab and ustekinumab, respectively. Guselkumab was the most sustained biologic, and the survival rates of secukinumab and ustekinumab were similar. Drug survival was remarkably shorter in female patients and those with hypertension. Introduction of new biologics emerged as a negative factor for drug survival in clinical settings.
Multi-Organism Composites: Combined Growth Potential of Mycelium and Bacterial Cellulose
Authors: Hoenerloh Aileen , Ozkan Dilan , Scott Jane
Published: May 2022

The demand for sustainable materials derived from renewable resources has led to significant research exploring the performance and functionality of biomaterials such as mycelium and bacterial cellulose. Whilst the growing conditions and performance of individual biomaterials are understood, to achieve additional new and enhanced functionality, an understanding of how biomaterials can be used together as composites and hybrids is required. This paper investigates the compatibility of mycelium and bacterial cellulose as two biomaterials with different qualities for the development of a large-scale biohybrid structure, the BioKnit prototype. Their compatibility was tested through preliminary design experiments and a material tinkering approach. The findings demonstrate that under optimal conditions mycelium and bacterial cellulose can grow in each other’s presence and create composites with an extensive array of functions. However, there is a need to develop further fabrication settings that help to maintain optimal growing conditions and nutrition levels, whilst eliminating problems such as contamination and competition during growth.
Investigation of Whole and Glandular Saliva as a Biomarker for Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Cui Yangyang , Zhang Hankun , Zhu Jia , Liao Zhenhua , Wang Song , Liu Weiqiang
Published: May 2022

Salivary Aβ40, Aβ42, t-tau, and p-tau 181 are commonly employed in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) investigations. However, the collection method of these biomarkers can affect their levels. To assess the impact of saliva collection methods on biomarkers in this study, 15 healthy people were employed in the morning with six saliva collection methods. The chosen methods were then applied in 30 AD patients and 30 non-AD controls. The levels of salivary biomarkers were calculated by a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The receiver operating characteristic was utilized to assess salivary biomarkers in AD patients. The results demonstrated that the highest levels of salivary Aβ40, Aβ42, t-tau, and p-tau were in different saliva collection methods. The correlations between different saliva biomarkers in the same collection method were different. Salivary Aβ40, Aβ42, t-tau, and p-tau had no significant association. Salivary Aβ42 was higher in AD than in non-AD controls. However, p-tau/t-tau and Aβ42/Aβ40 had some relevance. The area under the curve for four biomarkers combined in AD diagnosis was 92.11%. An alternate saliva collection method (e.g., USS in Aβ40, UPS in Aβ42, t-tau, SSS in p-tau 181) was demonstrated in this study. Moreover, combining numerous biomarkers improves AD diagnosis.
Organizational Neuroscience of Industrial Adaptive Behavior
Authors: Fox Stephen , Kotelba Adrian
Published: May 2022

Organizational neuroscience is recognized in organizational behavior literature as offering an interpretive framework that can shed new light on existing organizational challenges. In this paper, findings from neuroscience studies concerned with adaptive behavior for ecological fitness are applied to explore industrial adaptive behavior. This is important because many companies are not able to manage dynamics between adaptability and stability. The reported analysis relates business-to-business signaling in competitive environments to three levels of inference. In accordance with neuroscience studies concerned with adaptive behavior, trade-offs between complexity and accuracy in business-to-business signaling and inference are explained. In addition, signaling and inference are related to risks and ambiguities in competitive industrial markets. Overall, the paper provides a comprehensive analysis of industrial adaptive behavior in terms of relevant neuroscience constructs. In doing so, the paper makes a contribution to the field of organizational neuroscience, and to research concerned with industrial adaptive behavior. The reported analysis is relevant to organizational adaptive behavior that involves combining human intelligence and artificial intelligence.
Long Non-Coding RNAs as Potential Regulators of EMT-Related Transcription Factors in Colorectal Cancer—A Systematic Review and Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Pavlič Ana , Hauptman Nina , Boštjančič Emanuela , Zidar Nina
Published: May 2022

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a pivotal role in carcinogenesis, influencing cancer progression, metastases, stemness, immune evasion, metabolic reprogramming and therapeutic resistance. EMT in most carcinomas, including colorectal carcinoma (CRC), is only partial, and can be evidenced by identification of the underlying molecular drivers and their regulatory molecules. During EMT, cellular reprogramming is orchestrated by core EMT transcription factors (EMT-TFs), namely ZEB1/2, TWIST1/2, SNAI1 (SNAIL) and SNAI2 (SLUG). While microRNAs have been clearly defined as regulators of EMT, the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in EMT is poorly defined and controversial. Determining the role of lncRNAs in EMT remains a challenge, because they are involved in a number of cellular pathways and are operating through various mechanisms. Adding to the complexity, some lncRNAs have controversial functions across different tumor types, acting as EMT promotors in some tumors and as EMT suppressors in others. The aim of this review is to summarize the role of lncRNAs involved in the regulation of EMT-TFs in human CRC. Additional candidate lncRNAs were identified through a bioinformatics analysis.
The Role of miR-20 in Health and Disease of the Central Nervous System
Authors: Arzhanov Ivan , Sintakova Kristyna , Romanyuk Nataliya
Published: May 2022

Current understanding of the mechanisms underlying central nervous system (CNS) injury is limited, and traditional therapeutic methods lack a molecular approach either to prevent acute phase or secondary damage, or to support restorative mechanisms in the nervous tissue. microRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, non-coding RNA molecules that have recently been discovered as fundamental and post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. The capacity of microRNAs to regulate the cell state and function through post-transcriptionally silencing hundreds of genes are being acknowledged as an important factor in the pathophysiology of both acute and chronic CNS injuries. In this study, we have summarized the knowledge concerning the pathophysiology of several neurological disorders, and the role of most canonical miRNAs in their development. We have focused on the miR-20, the miR-17~92 family to which miR-20 belongs, and their function in the normal development and disease of the CNS.
LINC00152 Drives a Competing Endogenous RNA Network in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Pellegrino Rossella , Castoldi Mirco , Ticconi Fabio , Skawran Britta , Budczies Jan , Rose Fabian , Schwab Constantin , Breuhahn Kai , Neumann Ulf P. , Gaisa Nadine T. , Loosen Sven H. , Luedde Tom , Costa Ivan G. , Longerich Thomas
Published: May 2022

Genomic and epigenomic studies revealed dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs in many cancer entities, including liver cancer. We identified an epigenetic mechanism leading to upregulation of the long intergenic non-coding RNA 152 (LINC00152) expression in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we aimed to characterize a potential competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, in which LINC00152 exerts oncogenic functions by sponging miRNAs, thereby affecting their target gene expression. Database and gene expression data of human HCC were integrated to develop a potential LINC00152-driven ceRNA in silico. RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase assay were used to identify miRNA binding to LINC00152 in human HCC cells. Functionally active players in the ceRNA network were analyzed using gene editing, siRNA or miRNA mimic transfection, and expression vectors in vitro. RNA expression in human HCC in vivo was validated by RNA in situ hybridization. Let-7c-5p, miR-23a-3p, miR-125a-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-143a-3p, miR-193-3p, and miR-195-5p were detected as new components of the potential LINC00152 ceRNA network in human HCC. LINC00152 was confirmed to sponge miR143a-3p in human HCC cell lines, thereby limiting its binding to their respective target genes, like KLC2. KLC2 was identified as a central mediator promoting pro-tumorigenic effects of LINC00152 overexpression in HCC cells. Furthermore, co-expression of LINC00152 and KLC2 was observed in human HCC cohorts and high KLC2 expression was associated with shorter patient survival. Functional assays demonstrated that KLC2 promoted cell proliferation, clonogenicity and migration in vitro. The LINC00152-miR-143a-3p-KLC2 axis may represent a therapeutic target in human HCC.
Plant Transglutaminases: New Insights in Biochemistry, Genetics, and Physiology
Authors: Parrotta Luigi , Tanwar Umesh Kumar , Aloisi Iris , Sobieszczuk-Nowicka Ewa , Arasimowicz-Jelonek Magdalena , Del Duca Stefano
Published: May 2022

Transglutaminases (TGases) are calcium-dependent enzymes that catalyse an acyl-transfer reaction between primary amino groups and protein-bound Gln residues. They are widely distributed in nature, being found in vertebrates, invertebrates, microorganisms, and plants. TGases and their functionality have been less studied in plants than humans and animals. TGases are distributed in all plant organs, such as leaves, tubers, roots, flowers, buds, pollen, and various cell compartments, including chloroplasts, the cytoplasm, and the cell wall. Recent molecular, physiological, and biochemical evidence pointing to the role of TGases in plant biology and the mechanisms in which they are involved allows us to consider their role in processes such as photosynthesis, plant fertilisation, responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, and leaf senescence. In the present paper, an in-depth description of the biochemical characteristics and a bioinformatics comparison of plant TGases is provided. We also present the phylogenetic relationship, gene structure, and sequence alignment of TGase proteins in various plant species, not described elsewhere. Currently, our knowledge of these proteins in plants is still insufficient. Further research with the aim of identifying and describing the regulatory components of these enzymes and the processes regulated by them is needed.
Consequences of Chromosome Loss: Why Do Cells Need Each Chromosome Twice?
Authors: Chunduri Narendra Kumar , Barthel Karen , Storchova Zuzana
Published: May 2022

Aneuploidy is a cellular state with an unbalanced chromosome number that deviates from the usual euploid status. During evolution, elaborate cellular mechanisms have evolved to maintain the correct chromosome content over generations. The rare errors often lead to cell death, cell cycle arrest, or impaired proliferation. At the same time, aneuploidy can provide a growth advantage under selective conditions in a stressful, frequently changing environment. This is likely why aneuploidy is commonly found in cancer cells, where it correlates with malignancy, drug resistance, and poor prognosis. To understand this “aneuploidy paradox”, model systems have been established and analyzed to investigate the consequences of aneuploidy. Most of the evidence to date has been based on models with chromosomes gains, but chromosome losses and recurrent monosomies can also be found in cancer. We summarize the current models of chromosome loss and our understanding of its consequences, particularly in comparison to chromosome gains.
Polar Chromosomes—Challenges of a Risky Path
Authors: Vukušić Kruno , Tolić Iva M.
Published: May 2022

The process of chromosome congression and alignment is at the core of mitotic fidelity. In this review, we discuss distinct spatial routes that the chromosomes take to align during prometaphase, which are characterized by distinct biomolecular requirements. Peripheral polar chromosomes are an intriguing case as their alignment depends on the activity of kinetochore motors, polar ejection forces, and a transition from lateral to end-on attachments to microtubules, all of which can result in the delayed alignment of these chromosomes. Due to their undesirable position close to and often behind the spindle pole, these chromosomes may be particularly prone to the formation of erroneous kinetochore-microtubule interactions, such as merotelic attachments. To prevent such errors, the cell employs intricate mechanisms to preposition the spindle poles with respect to chromosomes, ensure the formation of end-on attachments in restricted spindle regions, repair faulty attachments by error correction mechanisms, and delay segregation by the spindle assembly checkpoint. Despite this protective machinery, there are several ways in which polar chromosomes can fail in alignment, mis-segregate, and lead to aneuploidy. In agreement with this, polar chromosomes are present in certain tumors and may even be involved in the process of tumorigenesis.
Origin of Baseline Drift in Metal Oxide Gas Sensors: Effects of Bulk Equilibration
Authors: Müller Gerhard , Sberveglieri Giorgio
Published: May 2022

Metal oxide (MOX) gas sensors and gas sensor arrays are widely used to detect toxic, combustible, and corrosive gases and gas mixtures inside ambient air. Important but poorly researched effects counteracting reliable detection are the phenomena of sensor baseline drift and changes in gas response upon long-term operation of MOX gas sensors. In this paper, it is shown that baseline drift is not limited to materials with poor crystallinity, but that this phenomenon principally also occurs in materials with almost perfect crystalline order. Building on this result, a theoretical framework for the analysis of such phenomena is developed. This analysis indicates that sensor drift is caused by the slow annealing of quenched-in non-equilibrium oxygen-vacancy donors as MOX gas sensors are operated at moderate temperatures for prolonged periods of time. Most interestingly, our analysis predicts that sensor drift in n-type MOX materials can potentially be mitigated or even suppressed by doping with metal impurities with chemical valences higher than those of the core metal constituents of the host crystals.
Congenital CMV, Lights and Shadows on Its Management: The Experience of a Reference Center in Northern Italy
Authors: Rubinacci Valeria , Fumagalli Mara , Meraviglia Giulia , Gianolio Laura , Sala Anna , Stracuzzi Marta , Dighera Anna , Zuccotti Gian Vincenzo , Giacomet Vania
Published: May 2022

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV) is the most common congenital viral infection, with a consistent rate of morbidity, mortality, and long-term sequelae, especially in the case of late diagnosis. Nevertheless, a universal screening for CMV is not currently recommended, and global awareness about this infection, as well as accurate and shared indications on follow-up and treatment, are still lacking. We reviewed data about 59 suspect cCMV cases who referred to our center from 2014 to 2021. We report 41 cases of confirmed cCMV diagnosed at birth, with clinical or radiological abnormalities in 36.6% of them. Other five patients received a late diagnosis and all presented neurological impairment. Twelve patients received therapy with Valganciclovir within the first month of life, with favorable outcome in nine cases. Therapy after the first month of life was attempted in four patients, with improvement in one case. The overall awareness about cCMV infection was 32.6%. Considering our population, maternal serological screening followed by targeted testing of neonates could be an effective strategy. Some aspects of cCMV infection management should be further investigated, such as indication of treatment after the first month of life or in asymptomatic patients. Awareness about the infection should be improved to implement preventive strategies.
Health and Durability of Protective and Thermal Barrier Coatings Monitored in Service by Visual Inspection
Authors: Szczepankowski Andrzej , Przysowa Radoslaw , Perczyński Jerzy , Kułaszka Artur
Published: May 2022

Protective and Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBC) applied on gas-turbine blades gradually degrade due to oxidation, aluminum depletion and impacts of environmental particles. Among various non-destructive coating testing methods (NDT), visual inspection can be undertaken regularly in service, but it provides little quantitative information, and only surface defects can be detected. This work aims at in-service monitoring of turbine blades with multilayer coatings applied by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) in a few variants. They were validated during a series of accelerated mission tests of a retired military turbofan engine in a test cell together with five other technologies. The fifty-hour rainbow test focused on assessing coating durability. Between engine runs, 12 borescope inspections were conducted to monitor the health of the blades. Finally, the blades were disassembled and examined using computed tomography (CT) and metallographic methods. Throughout the testing, 31 newly-coated blades (66%) withstood the tests, producing results comparable to the reference blades. However, 16 blades suffered intolerable failures observed as increased roughness, gradual loss of the topcoat, spallation and minor foreign object damage. Visual inspection results were generally in agreement with subsequent laboratory tests.
Salivary Neurotrophins Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Nerve Growth Factor Associated with Childhood Obesity: A Multiplex Magnetic Luminescence Analysis
Authors: Selvaraju Vaithinathan , Babu Jeganathan R. , Geetha Thangiah
Published: May 2022

Obesity is linked with higher inflammatory markers and is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation. Neurotrophins brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and β-nerve growth factor (β-NGF), in addition to their neuronal functions, act on several immune cells and have been recently designated as metabokines due to their regulatory role in energy homeostasis and food intake. The current study evaluates the salivary BDNF and β-NGF and their association with anthropometric measurement, blood pressure, and salivary insulin in children. Anthropometric measurements and saliva samples were obtained from 76 children, aged 6–10 years. Multiplex analysis was carried out for the salivary analysis of BDNF, NGF, and insulin by human magnetic Luminex performance assay. Statistical analysis was performed to analyze the best fit diagnostic value for biomarkers and the relationship of the neurotrophic levels of BDNF and NGF with obesity measures and blood pressure. Salivary BDNF and β-NGF showed a significantly higher concentration in obese children than normal-weight children. Both neurotrophins are positively associated with obesity anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and salivary insulin. Multinominal regression analysis reported a significant association between salivary BDNF, β-NGF, insulin, and systolic pressure adjusted for age, gender, income, and maternal education. The salivary concentration of BDNF and NGF was higher in obese children, and it is positively associated with anthropometric measures, suggesting that neurotrophins can be used as a non-invasive predictor of obesity-related complications in children.
Cervical Power Doppler Angiography with Micro Vessel Blood Flow Indices in the Auxiliary Diagnosis of Acute Cervicitis
Authors: Wu Yi-Cheng , Chen Ching-Hsuan , Ko Yi-Li , Huang Jack Yu-Jen , Yuan Chiou-Chung , Wang Peng-Hui , Hsiao Ching-Hua , Chu Woei-Chyn
Published: May 2022

We have conducted cervical imaging of uterine and micro-vessel flow velocity waveforms in acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) by transvaginal power Doppler ultrasound (TVPDU) in order to explore the associations of sonographic parameters with simple and complex cervicitis. Thirty-eight patients with acute PID (26 with acute simple cervicitis and 12 with complex cervicitis) were enrolled for an assessment of vascular grading of cervix and micro-vessel flow velocity using TVPDU before treatment. Seven parameters, including vascular grading (VG), lowest pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), peak systolic velocity (PS), end diastolic velocity (ED), time average maximum velocity (TAMV), and vascular index (VI = PS/ED), were measured and recorded. Forty-one healthy patients were assessed as the control group. Vascular grading (VG) was significantly higher in the study group than the control group (p < 0.0001). The PI, RI, and VI were significantly lower in the study group than control group (p < 0.0001). No significant associations were observed between seven sonographic parameters and acute simple or/and complex cervicitis. For acute simple cervicitis, a PI cutoff of 1.1 had a sensitivity of 85.4% and a specificity of 92.1% (area under ROC curve [AUC], 93.2%). A RI of 0.6 had a sensitivity of 85.4% and a specificity of 78.9% (AUC, 86.1%). A VI of 2.6 had a sensitivity of 85.4% and a specificity of 78.9% (AUC, 84.9%). Power Doppler angiography of micro-vessel flow velocity waveforms in the cervix could represent a practical method to assist the diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease presented as acute cervicitis detected on transvaginal ultrasound before medical or surgical treatment. Cervical PI may be a useful index to detect micro-vessel flow velocity waveforms in acute cervicitis and differentiate acute simple cervicitis from complex cervicitis.
UAV Mapping and 3D Modeling as a Tool for Promotion and Management of the Urban Space
Authors: Skondras Alexandros , Karachaliou Eleni , Tavantzis Ioannis , Tokas Nikolaos , Valari Elena , Skalidi Ifigeneia , Bouvet Giovanni , Stylianidis Efstratios
Published: May 2022

In the past few decades, the management of urban spaces with appropriate tools has been in constant discussion due to the plethora of new technologies that have emerged for participatory planning, drone mapping, photogrammetry and 3D modeling. In a multitude of situations, considerable progress has been made regarding the strategic impact of the successful use of technology for the development of urban spaces. The current era provides us with important digital tools and the opportunity to test new perspectives in the sustainable development of cities. This paper aims to explore the contribution of UAVs to the spatial mapping process of urban space, with the goal of collecting quantifiable and qualitative information to use for 3D modeling that can enable a more comprehensive understanding of the urban environment, thus facilitating urban regeneration processes. Three-dimensional models of high accuracy are not mandatory for this research. The location of the selected research area is particularly interesting due to its boundaries, urban voids and public space that can evolve through public participation. The results can be used for crowdsourcing in participatory decision-making processes and for exploring the consequences that these have on the built environment, and they can be used as a new means of involvement of citizens in local decision-making processes.
A Multi-Criteria Decision Support and Application to the Evaluation of the Fourth Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Radulescu Constanta Zoie , Radulescu Marius , Boncea Radu
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic caused important health and societal damage across the world in 2020–2022. Its study represents a tremendous challenge for the scientific community. The correct evaluation and analysis of the situation can lead to the elaboration of the most efficient strategies and policies to control and mitigate its propagation. The paper proposes a Multi-Criteria Decision Support (MCDS) based on the combination of three methods: the Group Analytic Hierarchy Process (GAHP), which is a subjective group weighting method; Extended Entropy Weighting Method (EEWM), which is an objective weighting method; and the COmplex PRoportional ASsessment (COPRAS), which is a multi-criteria method. The COPRAS uses the combined weights calculated by the GAHP and EEWM. The sum normalization (SN) is considered for COPRAS and EEWM. An extended entropy is proposed in EEWM. The MCDS is implemented for the development of a complex COVID-19 indicator called COVIND, which includes several countries’ COVID-19 indicators, over a fourth COVID-19 wave, for a group of European countries. Based on these indicators, a ranking of the countries is obtained. An analysis of the obtained rankings is realized by the variation of two parameters: a parameter that describes the combination of weights obtained with EEWM and GAHP and the parameter of extended entropy function. A correlation analysis between the new indicator and the general country indicators is performed. The MCDS provides policy makers with a decision support able to synthesize the available information on the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Privacy-Preserving Image Template Sharing Using Contrastive Learning
Authors: Rezaeifar Shideh , Voloshynovskiy Slava , Asgari Jirhandeh Meisam , Kinakh Vitality
Published: May 2022

With the recent developments of Machine Learning as a Service (MLaaS), various privacy concerns have been raised. Having access to the user’s data, an adversary can design attacks with different objectives, namely, reconstruction or attribute inference attacks. In this paper, we propose two different training frameworks for an image classification task while preserving user data privacy against the two aforementioned attacks. In both frameworks, an encoder is trained with contrastive loss, providing a superior utility-privacy trade-off. In the reconstruction attack scenario, a supervised contrastive loss was employed to provide maximal discrimination for the targeted classification task. The encoded features are further perturbed using the obfuscator module to remove all redundant information. Moreover, the obfuscator module is jointly trained with a classifier to minimize the correlation between private feature representation and original data while retaining the model utility for the classification. For the attribute inference attack, we aim to provide a representation of data that is independent of the sensitive attribute. Therefore, the encoder is trained with supervised and private contrastive loss. Furthermore, an obfuscator module is trained in an adversarial manner to preserve the privacy of sensitive attributes while maintaining the classification performance on the target attribute. The reported results on the CelebA dataset validate the effectiveness of the proposed frameworks.
Is Post-Burn Scarring a Research Priority?
Authors: Young Amber E. , Staruch Robert M. T.
Published: May 2022

National and international research budgets are insufficient to approve all requests for funding, even if a methodology is of high quality and the outputs are likely to have an impact on improving patient outcomes [...]
Higher Education Students’ Perception of the E-Portfolio as a Tool for Improving Their Employability: Weaknesses and Strengths
Authors: Gutiérrez-Santiuste Elba , García-Segura Sonia , Olivares-García María Ángeles , González-Alfaya Elena
Published: May 2022

This study analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the professional e-portfolio as a tool for preparing students in higher education to enter the labor market. It also examines students’ level of planning to enter professional employment, and the help that they receive with this task from the university. The research is quantitative and observes the students’ opinions before and after they create their own professional e-portfolio, as a case study. We used the analysis of means to determine the trend in the aspects analyzed over time, and the Student’s t-test and Cohen’s d to determine the effect size. We also performed correlation analysis between the different categories and subcategories proposed. The results show that the e-portfolio is a tool with strengths for labor market entry, while also revealing the weaknesses that students find in it. At the very least, the e-portfolio was useful to the students in planning their entry into the workforce. The correlations show high levels among the strengths but not among the weaknesses analyzed.
3D Printing of Composite Material for Electromechanical Energy Harvesters
Authors: Burlikowski Wojciech , Kowalik Zygmunt , Kowol Paweł , Michalik Rafał
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a novel, composite material is proposed based on ferromagnetic wires immersed in a polymer that is well suited for 3D printing. The magnetic properties of this material are examined using FEM and compared with the properties of a more traditional composite based on magnetic powder. For a 50% ferromagnetic volume in the material, the proposed composite has a 67% higher value of saturation magnetic flux density and 87% higher value of maximum permeability, compared with the powder-based material. The authors believe that the proposed material could be used in the manufacturing of small electromechanical devices such as energy harvesters, thus vastly widening the possible fields of application related to 3D printing techniques.
Improved Rapidly Exploring Random Tree with Bacterial Mutation and Node Deletion for Offline Path Planning of Mobile Robot
Authors: Lonklang Aphilak , Botzheim János
Published: May 2022

The path-planning algorithm aims to find the optimal path between the starting and goal points without collision. One of the most popular algorithms is the optimized Rapidly exploring Random Tree (RRT*). The strength of RRT* algorithm is the collision-free path. It is the main reason why RRT-based algorithms are used in path planning for mobile robots. The RRT* algorithm generally creates the node for randomly making a tree branch to reach the goal point. The weakness of the RRT* algorithm is in the random process when the randomized nodes fall into the obstacle regions. The proposed algorithm generates a new random environment by removing the obstacle regions from the global environment. The objective is to minimize the number of unusable nodes from the randomizing process. The results show better performance in computational time and overall path-planning length. Bacterial mutation and local search algorithms are combined at post-processing to get a better path length and reduce the number of nodes. The proposed algorithm is tested in simulation.
Transient Protection Principle Based on Current Ratio of Two Terminals in Frequency Domain
Authors: Zheng Bowen , Chu Lu , Wang Zengping
Published: May 2022

In order to prevent a transmission line boundary having a weak high frequency from impairing single-ended transient-based relay protection, this paper proposes using the coordination of the current frequency domain features of the relay on both sides of the transmission line to achieve whole-line quick-action protection. In the case of an internal fault, since the frequency components of the electrical quantities in the frequency domain on both sides of the protected line are related to the distance from the fault point to two sides of the line, the frequency-domain current spectrum information on both sides of the line is very different and the fluctuation is strong. In the case of an external fault, the transient current at the protection point closer to the fault is transmitted through the entire length of the protected line and reaches the other side away from the fault. Therefore, the fluctuation in the current spectrum in the frequency domain on both sides is quite different. Thus, this paper proposes setting the fault criterion according to the difference in the frequency spectrum fluctuation degree of the frequency-domain current ratio on both sides when internal and external faults occur. After verification using PSCAD simulation, it was found that the protection principle proposed in this article can act quickly and correctly, and identify internal and external faults, under different fault types and fault locations, and is basically not affected by transition resistance.
A Novel Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Charging Scheme for Wireless Rechargeable Sensor Networks in an Urban Bus System
Authors: Lin Tu-Liang , Chang Hong-Yi , Wang Yu-Hsin
Published: May 2022

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are implemented in many aspects of daily life, such as Internet of Things applications, industrial automation, and intelligent agriculture. Sensors are typically powered by batteries. Chargers can be used to supply power to sensor nodes and thus extend the lifetime of WSNs. This special type of network is named a wireless rechargeable sensor network (WRSN). However, due to the limited battery power and different deployment locations of the sensors, efficiently moving the chargers from the current sensor nodes to the next sensor nodes is a challenge. In this study, we propose an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based charging scheme in an urban bus system, involving the coordination between UAVs and bus schedules. The UAVs can be recharged by urban buses and then supply the power to sensor nodes. We implemented three charging strategies: naïve, shortest path, and max power. In the naïve strategy, the UAVs fly directly to sensor nodes when the sensors are lacking power. In the shortest path strategy, the minimum distance between the sensor node and bus location is calculated, and the UAVs fly the shortest path to the sensor nodes. In the maximum power charging strategy, the UAV that has the highest battery power is assigned to work. The experimental results show that the shortest path charging and max power charging strategies perform better than naïve charging in different parameter settings. To prolong the lifetime of the network system, adjusting the bus frequency according to the number of nearby sensors around the bus route is favorable.
Steady State Modeling and Performance Analysis of a Wind Turbine-Based Doubly Fed Induction Generator System with Rotor Control
Authors: Aljafari Belqasem , Pamela Stephenraj Jasmin , Vairavasundaram Indragandhi , Singh Rassiah Raja
Published: May 2022

The utilization of renewable energy sources aids in the economic development of a country. Among the various renewable energy sources, wind energy is more effective for electricity production. The doubly fed induction generator is an extensively known wind turbine generator for its partially rated power converters and dynamic performance. The doubly fed induction generator assists the wind turbine to function with a wide speed range. Hence, the steady-state performance analysis of a doubly fed induction generator helps enable it to operate efficiently at a specific wind turbine speed. In this paper, a 2 MW variable speed pitch regulated doubly fed induction generator with a speed range of 900—2000 rpm was opted for steady-state analysis. This was followed by the design and modelling of a doubly fed induction generator in Matlab/Simulink environment, and the analyses were performed using mathematical equations computed via Matlab coding. The steady-state magnitudes were calculated with rotor magnetization idr = 0. The closed-loop stator flux-oriented vector control is applied to the rotor side converter for controlling the designed doubly fed induction generator model. The simulation results were compared with computational values to establish a workable model with less than 10% error. The simulation model can be used for predicting the performance of the machine, fault analysis, and validation of existing DFIG at a steady state.
High-Speed Digital Photography of Gaseous Cavitation in a Narrow Gap Flow
Authors: Reinke Peter , Ahlrichs Jan , Beckmann Tom , Schmidt Marcus
Published: May 2022

The research of cavitation in narrow gap flows, e.g., lubrication films in journal bearings or squeeze film dampers, is a challenging task due to spatial restrictions combined with a high time-resolution. Typically, the lubrication film thickness is in the range of a few microns and the characteristic time for bubble generation and collapse is less than a few milliseconds. The authors have developed a journal bearing model experiment, which is designed according to similarity laws providing fully similar flow conditions to real journal flows while offering ideal access to the flow by means of optical measurement equipment. This work presents the high-speed photography of bubble evolution and transportation in a Stokes-type flow under the influence of shear and a strong pressure gradient which are typical for lubricant films. A paramount feature of the experiment is the dynamic variation (increase/decrease) of the minimum film thickness which triggers the onset of cavitation in narrow gap flows. Results presented in the work on hand include the time-resolved data of the gas release rate and the transient expansion of gas bubbles. Both parameters are necessary to set up numerical models for the computation of two-phase flows.