bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Different Precipitation Routes of Fe2Hf Laves Phase on the Creep Rate of 9Cr-Based Ferritic Alloys
Authors: Kobayashi Satoru , Hara Toru
Published: March 2021

We performed creep tests for three types of Fe-9Cr-Hf alloys with a ferritic matrix w/o Fe2Hf Laves phase particles formed by two precipitation routes: (1) with fine Fe2Hf particles formed by the conventional precipitation route (hereafter the particles are called CP particles), namely formed in the α-ferrite matrix after γ-austenite → α-ferrite phase transformation; (2) with fine Fe2Hf particles formed by interphase precipitation (hereafter called IP particles) during δ-ferrite → γ-austenite phase transformation before γ → α phase transformation and (3) without Laves phase particles. CP particles were found to be effective in reducing the creep rates from the transient creep regime to the early stage of a slowly accelerating creep regime but were coarsened after the creep tests. IP particles were less effective in reducing the creep rate in the early creep stages but showed a higher stability against particle coarsening than CP particles in the creep tests, suggesting their effectiveness in delaying the recovery and recrystallization processes in the matrix and thereby retarding the onset of a rapid creep acceleration and creep rupture. The effects of the different precipitation routes are discussed based on the results obtained.
A Lossless Compression Method for Chat Messages Based on Huffman Coding and Dynamic Programming
Authors: Moreno Cadavid Julián , Vanegas Madrigal Hernán Darío
Published: March 2021

There is always an increasing demand for data storage and transfer; therefore, data compression will always be a fundamental need. In this article, we propose a lossless data compression method focused on a particular kind of data, namely, chat messages, which are typically non-formal, short-length strings. This method can be considered a hybrid because it combines two different algorithmic approaches: greedy algorithms, specifically Huffman coding, on the one hand and dynamic programming on the other (HCDP = Huffman Coding + Dynamic Programming). The experimental results demonstrated that our method provided lower compression ratios when compared with six reference algorithms, with reductions between 23.7% and 39.7%, whilst the average remained below the average value reported in several related works found in the literature. Such performance carries a sacrifice in speed, however, which does not presume major practical implications in the context of short-length strings.
Transvaginal Ultrasound as a First-Line Approach in Deep Endometriosis: A Pictorial Essay
Authors: Doroftei Bogdan , Maftei Radu , Ilie Ovidiu-Dumitru , Simionescu Gabriela , Anton Emil , Armeanu Theodora , Dabuleanu Ana-Maria , Mihalceanu Elena , Condac Constantin , Ilea Ciprian
Published: March 2021

Endometriosis (EMS) is a benign condition characterized by a systemic inflammation that affects fertile women at reproductive age. Ultrasound became, in recent years, the method of choice for both effective diagnostic and preoperative planning. Therefore, accurate characterization and mapping of endometriotic lesions is imperative in such circumstances to enable optimal approach of treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical based on the severity of the findings. This pictorial essay outlines a practical approach to evaluating patients with deep endometriosis by means of transvaginal ultrasound. The technical aspects are in conjunction with both consensus of the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis (IDEA) group and the hands-on experience acquired through daily clinical practice.
Opening the ‘Black Box’ of Cooperative Learning in Face-to-Face versus Computer-Supported Learning in the Time of COVID-19
Authors: Yu Shu , Yuizono Takaya
Published: March 2021

This paper aims to identify the changes in student behaviors that resulted from the switch from face-to-face (F2F) learning to computer-supported cooperative learning (CSCL) due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We constructed a triple-dimensional index with “thinking ability improvement”, “horizontal knowledge construction”, and “vertical social relationship evolution” to make comparisons. According to majors, we selected 23 students who registered for entrepreneurship courses from March to June 2019 in F2F and 23 students from March to June 2020 in CSCL formats. We utilized mixed methods, including experimental, content-based, and social network methods, to conduct evaluations. The results show the following: (1) Cooperative learning is beneficial in cultivating creative thinking for both F2F and CSCL groups. (2) The level of knowledge construction was slightly higher in F2F than that in CSCL in general. The effect of F2F learning in the early stage of the course was better, and in the later stage of the class CSCL attained a higher value. (3) For social abilities, the interactions in CSCL were closer than those in the F2F group. F2F cooperative learning was more prone to “fake cooperation” and free-riding behavior, whereas CSCL led to “pan-cooperation” and lacked the in-depth exploration of knowledge. Therefore, this pandemic provides opportunities for cooperative learning with in-depth exploration. CSCL offers sustainable and more hybrid learning activities that allow for the combination of online and offline learning to be experienced according to course contents.
Students’ Knowledge of Climate Change, Mitigation and Adaptation in the Context of Constructive Hope
Authors: Ratinen Ilkka
Published: March 2021

Humanity is living in a climate emergency where climate change should be significantly mitigated; additionally, greater efforts should be made to adapt to it. To date, relatively little research has been carried out on young people’s skills in terms of them mitigating and, in particular, adapting to the changes caused by climate change. The complex climate change issues of mitigation and adaptation are conceptually difficult for children because climate change is not directly evidenced in their daily lives. This study focuses on looking at mitigation and adaptation from the perspective of children. Meaning-making coping strategies enable the maintenance of constructive hope regarding climate change. In the present study, elementary and secondary students (n = 950) responded to an online questionnaire. Statistical methods were used to gather data on how students’ general knowledge of climate change and their mitigation and adaptation knowledge predicted their constructive hope regarding climate change. This study reveals that the students had a relatively high level of constructive hope and that general climate change knowledge predicted students’ constructive hope well.
Analysis of a Nonlinear Technique for Microwave Imaging of Targets Inside Conducting Cylinders
Authors: Fedeli Alessandro , Pastorino Matteo , Randazzo Andrea , Gragnani Gian Luigi
Published: March 2021

Microwave imaging of targets enclosed in circular metallic cylinders represents an interesting scenario, whose applications range from biomedical diagnostics to nondestructive testing. In this paper, the theoretical bases of microwave tomographic imaging inside circular metallic pipes are reviewed and discussed. A nonlinear quantitative inversion technique in non-Hilbertian Lebesgue spaces is then applied to this kind of problem for the first time. The accuracy of the obtained dielectric reconstructions is assessed by numerical simulations in canonical cases, aimed at verifying the dependence of the result on the size of the conducting enclosure and comparing results with the conventional free space case. Numerical results show benefits in lossy environments, although the presence and the type of resonances should be carefully taken into account.
Performance Evaluation of GFDM Channel Estimation Using DFT for Tactile Internet Application
Authors: Permana Al Kautsar , Hamid Effrina Yanti
Published: March 2021

In this work, discrete Fourier transform (DFT)-based channel estimation is proposed in generalized frequency division multiplexing (GFDM) system. In the GFDM system, the subcarriers are non-orthogonal; therefore, the pilot symbols cannot be easily observed due to the interference from data symbols and noise. The proposed method can improve the channel estimation of least square (LS) method by eliminating channel impulse response outside the number of actual impulse response. First, the received signal is demodulated using zero forcing demodulator. Then, it is divided with transmitted pilot symbols to obtain channel response. Interpolation in frequency and time domains is conducted to acquire channel response for all GFDM blocks. Finally, the channel estimation algorithm using DFT is performed. The parameters of the system are adjusted so that they are suitable for tactile internet application. The channel model used is NYUSIM, which utilizes mmWave. Three scenarios in NYUSIM such as urban microcell, urban macro cell and rural macro cell are used and power delay profiles generated from NYUSIM simulator are employed in this system. The results show that mean square error (MSE) from DFT-based channel estimation gives substantial improvement for all scenarios. In addition, symbol error rate (SER) of DFT-based channel estimation provides a slight improvement of ~1.5 dB than LS channel estimation.
Privacy-Preserving RFID-Based Search System
Authors: Chun Ji Young , Noh Geontae
Published: March 2021

The employment of mobile readers (or mobile phone collaborated with a Radio frequency identification (RFID) reader) opens a novel application for RFID technology. In particular, an RFID tag search system has been designed to find a particular tag in a group of tags using a mobile reader. Unfortunately, privacy infringement and availability issues in the search system have not been adequately addressed to date. In this paper, we propose a novel RFID tag search protocol that will enhance mobile reader user privacy while being able to operate under conditions of unstable connection to a central server. First, the proposed protocol preserves the privacy of mobile reader users. The privacy of the mobile reader user is at risk because the signal strength emitted from a mobile reader is much stronger than that from the tag, exposing the location of the mobile reader user and thus compromising the user’s privacy. Thus far, such privacy issues have been overlooked. The second issue is presented because of wireless connections that are either unreliable or too remote, causing a mobile reader to disconnect from the central server. The proposed protocol enables serverless RFID tag searches with passive tags, which obtain operating power from the mobile reader. In unstable environments, the protocol can successfully locate specific tags without any server.
Multi-Winner Spectrum Allocation in Cognitive Radio Networks: A Single-Sided Auction Theoretic Modelling Approach with Sequential Bidding
Authors: Devi Monisha , Sarma Nityananda , Deka Sanjib K.
Published: March 2021

Cognitive radio (CR) has evolved as a novel technology for overcoming the spectrum-scarcity problem in wireless communication networks. With its opportunistic behaviour for improving the spectrum-usage efficiency, CR enables the desired secondary users (SUs) to dynamically utilize the idle spectrum owned by primary users. On sensing the spectrum to identify the idle frequency bands, proper spectrum-allocation mechanisms need to be designed to provide an effectual use of the radio resource. In this paper, we propose a single-sided sealed-bid sequential-bidding-based auction framework that extends the channel-reuse property in a spectrum-allocation mechanism to efficiently redistribute the unused channels. Existing auction designs primarily aim at maximizing the auctioneer’s revenue, due to which certain CR constraints remain excluded in their models. We address two such constraints, viz. the dynamics in spectrum opportunities and varying availability time of vacant channels, and formulate an allocation problem that maximizes the utilization of the radio spectrum. The auctioneer strategises winner determination based on bids collected from SUs and sequentially leases the unused channels, while restricting the channel assignment to a single-channel-multi-user allocation. To model the spectrum-sharing mechanism, we initially developed a group-formation algorithm that enables the members of a group to access a common channel. Furthermore, the spectrum-allocation and pricing algorithms are operated under constrained circumstances, which guarantees truthfulness in the model. An analysis of the simulation results and comparison with existing auction models revealed the effectiveness of the proposed approach in assigning the unexploited spectrum.
ElectroPaper: Design and Fabrication of Paper-Based Electronic Interfaces for the Water Environment
Authors: Liu Lijuan , Guo Jiahao , Zhang Chao , Wang Zhangzhi , Zhu Pinqi , Fang Tuo , Wang Junwu , Yao Cheng , Ying Fangtian
Published: March 2021

The fabrication of underwater devices is necessary for the exploration of water environments and interactions in the Human–Computer Interaction (HCI) field. However, there are fewer approaches to support prototyping used in water environments. The existing prototype methods lack systematic waterproof treatments and provide insufficient software for balance and buoyancy analysis. To address these limitations, we present ElectroPaper, a new approach for the design and fabrication of prototypes used in water environments (surface or beneath) with paper-based electronic interfaces with a crease layer, hardware distribution layer, and hollow-out layer to support physical properties, such as waterproofing, foldability, and conformability. The approach includes a computational design tool for assisting in balance analysis, three-dimensional (3D) model unfolding, and circuit drawing. We describe the design and fabrication process and provide several example applications to illustrate the feasibility and utility of our approach. ElectroPaper provides an inexpensive and effective medium for the fabrication of customized digital prototypes for water environment use.
On Multi-Scalar Multiplication Algorithms for Register-Constrained Environments
Authors: Sun Da-Zhi , Zhong Ji-Dong , Zhang Hong-De , Guo Xiang-Yu
Published: March 2021

A basic but expensive operation in the implementations of several famous public-key cryptosystems is the computation of the multi-scalar multiplication in a certain finite additive group defined by an elliptic curve. We propose an adaptive window method for the multi-scalar multiplication, which aims to balance the computation cost and the memory cost under register-constrained environments. That is, our method can maximize the computation efficiency of multi-scalar multiplication according to any small, fixed number of registers provided by electronic devices. We further demonstrate that our method is efficient when five registers are available. Our method is further studied in detail in the case where it is combined with the non-adjacent form (NAF) representation and the joint sparse form (JSF) representation. One efficiency result is that our method with the proposed improved NAF n-bit representation on average requires 209n/432 point additions. To the best of our knowledge, this efficiency result is optimal compared with those of similar methods using five registers. Unlike the previous window methods, which store all possible values in the window, our method stores those with comparatively high probabilities to reduce the number of required registers.
An SVD Approach for Estimating the Dimension of Phaseless Data on Multiple Arcs in Fresnel Zone
Authors: Pierri Rocco , Moretta Raffaele
Published: March 2021

In this article, we tackle the question of evaluating the dimension of the data space in the phase retrieval problem. With the aim to achieve this task, we first exploit the lifting technique to recast the quadratic model as a linear one. After that, we evaluate analytically the singular values of the lifting operator, and we quantify the dimension of the data space by counting the number of “significant” singular values. In the last part of the article, we show some numerical results in order to corroborate our analytical prediction on the singular values’ behavior of the lifting operator and on the dimension of the data space. The analysis is performed for a 2D scalar geometry consisting of an electric current strip whose square magnitude of the radiated field is observed on multiple arcs of circumference in Fresnel zone.
A UWB Antenna Array Integrated with Multimode Resonator Bandpass Filter
Authors: Ahmed Sharif , Kim Geok Tan , Alias Mohamad Yusoff , Hossain Ferdous , Alsariera Hussein , Abdaziz Azlan , Soh Ping Jack
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a novel design of a modified ultrawideband (UWB) antenna array integrated with a multimode resonator bandpass filter. First, a single UWB antenna is modified and studied, using a P-shape radiated patch instead of a full elliptical patch, for wide impedance bandwidth and high realized gain. Then, a two-element UWB antenna array is developed based on this modified UWB antenna with an inter-element spacing of 0.35 λL, in which λL is the free space wavelength at the lower UWB band edge of 3.1 GHz, compared to 0.27 λL of a reference UWB antenna array designed using a traditional elliptical patch shape. The partial ground plane is designed with a trapezoidal angle to enhance matching throughout the UWB frequency range. The mutual coupling reduction of a modified UWB antenna array enhances the reflection coefficient, bandwidth, and realized gain, maintaining the same size of 1.08 λ0 × 1.08 λ0 × 0.035 λ0 at 6.5 GHz center frequency as that of the reference UWB antenna array. The UWB antenna array performance is investigated at different inter-element spacing distances between the radiated elements. To add filtering capability to the UWB antenna array and eliminate interference from the out-of-band frequencies, a multimode resonator (MMR) bandpass filter (BPF) is incorporated in the feedline while maintaining a compact size. The measurement results showed a close agreement with simulated results. The proposed UWB filtering antenna array design achieved a wide fractional bandwidth of more than 109.87%, a high realized gain of more than 7.4 dBi, and a compact size of 1.08 λ0 × 1.08 λ0 × 0.035 λ0 at 6.5 GHz center frequency. These advantages make the proposed antenna suitable for UWB applications such as indoor tracking, radar systems and positioning applications.
Partitioning Power Grid for the Design of the Zonal Energy Market While Preserving Control Area Constraints
Authors: Blachnik Marcin , Wawrzyniak Karol , Jakubek Marcin
Published: March 2021

The use of a zonal structure for energy markets across the globe is expanding; however the debate on how to effectively partition the grid into bidding zones is still open for discussion. One of the factors that needs to be addressed in the process of bidding zones’ delimitation is the transmission system operators control areas. Merging parts of different control areas into one bidding zone can lead to multiple problems, ranging from political, through grid security concerns, to reserve control issues. To address it, this paper presents a novel grid partitioning method aimed at bidding zones delimitation that is based on clustering the power grid using an extended version of the standard agglomerative clustering. The proposed solution adds additional clustering rules when constructing the dendrogram in order to take into account the control areas. The algorithm is applied to the data which represents the locational marginal prices obtained from optimal power flow analysis.
The Extended Concept of the Map in View of Modern Geoinformation Products
Authors: Gotlib Dariusz , Olszewski Robert , Gartner Georg
Published: March 2021

In the face of strikingly intense technological development, there have been significant discrepancies in the understanding of the concept of the map; an understanding that is fundamental to cartography and, more broadly, GIScience. The development of electronic products based on geoinformation has caused a growing need for the systematization of basic concepts, including defining what a map is. In particular, the modification of the idea of the map may profoundly influence the future development of cartography. The comprehensive and innovative use of maps, for example, in location-based service (LBS) applications, may contribute to more in-depth analyses in this area. This article examines how the concept of how the map is used in technological or scientific literature about the latest geoinformation applications, as well as analyzing the survey results that confirm the change in social perception of the concept of the map in cartography. The article also refers to the role of the map in the process of indirect cognition and understanding of geographical space—cognition realized through maps. A social understanding of mapping concepts is evolving and covers the entire spectrum of geoinformation products. It seems that the latest geoinformation solutions, such as navigation applications and, in particular, applications supporting the movement of autonomous vehicles (e.g., self-driving cars), have had a particular impact on the concept of the map. This is confirmed by the results of a survey conducted by the authors on a group of nearly 900 respondents from a variety of countries. The vast majority of users are convinced that the contemporary understanding of the concept of the map is a long way from the classic definition of this concept. Therefore, in the opinion of the authors of this article, it is worth undertaking research that will become a starting point for a discussion about the broader definition of the map in GIScience.
An Identity-Based Cross-Domain Authenticated Asymmetric Group Key Agreement
Authors: Chen Qingnan , Wu Ting , Hu Chengnan , Chen Anbang , Zheng Qiuhua
Published: March 2021

Cross-domain authenticated asymmetric group key agreement allows group members in different domains to establish a secure group communication channel and the senders can be anyone. However, the existing schemes do not meet the requirement of batch verification in the group key negotiation phase, which makes the schemes have low efficiency. To address this problem, an identity-based cross-domain authenticated asymmetric group key agreement is proposed that supports batch verification. The performance analysis shows that this protocol is highly efficient. Finally, the proposed protocol is proved to be secure under the k-Bilinear Diffie–Hellman Exponent assumption.
Psychometric Properties and Validation of the Polish Version of the 12-Item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 in Patients with Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Ćwirlej-Sozańska Agnieszka , Sozański Bernard , Kupczyk Mateusz , Leszczak Justyna , Kwolek Andrzej , Wilmowska-Pietruszyńska Anna , Wiśniowska-Szurlej Agnieszka
Published: March 2021

Background: Huntington’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that usually manifests in adulthood and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. The main aim of the study was to assess the psychometric properties of the 12-item WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 in studying the level of disability in people with Huntington’s disease. Method: This is a cross-sectional study that covered 128 people with Huntington’s disease living in Poland. We examined scale score reliability, internal consistency, convergent validity, and known-group validity. The disability and quality of life of people with Huntington’s disease were also assessed. Results: The scale score reliability of the entire tool for the research group was high. The Cronbach’s α test result for the whole scale was 0.97. Cronbach’s α for individual domains ranged from 0.95 to 0.79. Time consistency for the overall result was 0.99 and for particular domains ranged from 0.91 to 0.99, which confirmed that the scale was consistent over time. All of the 12-item WHODAS 2.0 domains negatively correlated with all of the Huntington Quality of Life Instrument (H-QoL-I) domains. All correlation coefficients were statistically significant at the level of p < 0.001. The results obtained in the linear regression model showed that with each subsequent point of decrease in BMI the level of disability increases by an average of 0.83 points on the 12-item WHODAS 2.0 scale. With each subsequent year of the disease, the level of disability increases by an average of 1.39 points. Conclusions: This is the first study assessing disability by means of the WHODAS 2.0 in the HD patient population in Poland, and it is also one of the few studies evaluating the validity of the WHODAS 2.0 scale in assessing the disability of people with HD in accordance with the recommendations of DSM-5 (R). We have confirmed that the 12-item WHODAS 2.0 is an effective tool for assessing disability and changes in functioning among people with Huntington’s disease.
Custom-Made 3D-Printed Implants as Novel Approach to Reconstructive Surgery after Oncologic Resection in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Beltrami Giovanni , Ristori Gabriele , Nucci Anna Maria , Galeotti Alberto , Tamburini Angela , Scoccianti Guido , Campanacci Domenico , Innocenti Marco , Capanna Rodolfo
Published: March 2021

Recently, custom-made 3D-printed prostheses have been introduced for limb salvage surgery in adult patients, but their use has not been described in pediatric patients. A series of 11 pediatric patients (mean age 10.8 years; range 2–13) with skeletal tumors treated with custom-made implants for the reconstruction of bony defects is described. Patients were followed up every 3 months. Functional results were evaluated by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS) for upper and lower limbs. The mean follow-up was 25.7 months (range 14–44). Three patients died after a mean of 19.3 months postoperatively—two because of disease progression and the other from a previous malignancy. Three patients experienced complications related to soft tissues. One patient required device removal, debridement, and antibiotic pearls for postoperative infection. Partial osseointegration between grafts and host bone was observed within a mean of 4 months. At the final follow-up, mean MSTS score was 75%. 3D prostheses may yield biological advantages due to possible integration with the host bone and also through the use of vascularized flaps. Further research is warranted.
Urgent Vitrectomy with Vancomycin Infusion, Silicone Oil Endotamponade, and General Antibiotic Treatment in Multiple Cases of Endophthalmitis from a Single Day of Intravitreal Injections—Case Series
Authors: Pietras-Baczewska Agata , Jasińska Ewa , Toro Mario Damiano , Bonfiglio Vincenza , Reibaldi Michele , Avitabile Teresio , Nowomiejska Katarzyna , Rejdak Robert
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to report on the anatomical and functional results of surgical management of seven cases of endophthalmitis related to a single day of intravitreal aflibercept injections. Patients with signs of endophthalmitis who underwent aflibercept injections (seven eyes) performed on the same day were retrospectively evaluated. The data of visual acuity and optical coherence tomography (OCT) within nine months of the follow-up and the treatment and results of microbiological cultures are reported. Four of the total seven cases had a positive bacterial culture outcome (Streptococcus mitis). All patients underwent vitrectomy combined with phacoemulsification when the eyes were not pseudophakic, vancomycin infusion, and silicone oil tamponade within 24 h; additionally, systemic antibiotics were administered intravenously. The final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after the treatment was finger counting or light perception in all cases, and all eyes were saved with disruption of the inner retinal layers and stabilization of the retina in regard to changes related to the wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although the retinal anatomy was mostly preserved, most of the patients affected by Streptococcus mitis-induced endophthalmitis did not regain baseline vision after the therapy.
Stereolithography vs. Direct Light Processing for Rapid Manufacturing of Complete Denture Bases: An In Vitro Accuracy Analysis
Authors: Unkovskiy Alexey , Schmidt Franziska , Beuer Florian , Li Ping , Spintzyk Sebastian , Kraemer Fernandez Pablo
Published: March 2021

The topical literature lacks any comparison between stereolithography (SLA) and direct light processing (DLP) printing methods with regard to the accuracy of complete denture base fabrication, thereby utilizing materials certified for this purpose. In order to investigate this aspect, 15 denture bases were printed with SLA and DLP methods using three build angles: 0°, 45° and 90°. The dentures were digitalized using a laboratory scanner (D2000, 3Shape) and analyzed in analyzing software (Geomagic Control X, 3D systems). Differences between 3D datasets were measured using the root mean square (RMS) value for trueness and precision and mean and maximum deviations were obtained for each denture base. The data were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s multiple comparison test. A heat map was generated to display the locations of the deviations within the intaglio surface. The overall tendency indicated that SLA denture bases had significantly higher trueness for most build angles compared to DLP (p < 0.001). The 90° build angle may provide the best trueness for both SLA and DLP. With regard to precision, statistically significant differences were found in the build angles only. Higher precision was revealed in the DLP angle of 0° in comparison to the 45° and 90° angles.
The Role of the Transsulfuration Pathway in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Werge Mikkel Parsberg , McCann Adrian , Galsgaard Elisabeth Douglas , Holst Dorte , Bugge Anne , Albrechtsen Nicolai J. Wewer , Gluud Lise Lotte
Published: March 2021

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing and approximately 25% of the global population may have NAFLD. NAFLD is associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome, but its pathophysiology is complex and only partly understood. The transsulfuration pathway (TSP) is a metabolic pathway regulating homocysteine and cysteine metabolism and is vital in controlling sulfur balance in the organism. Precise control of this pathway is critical for maintenance of optimal cellular function. The TSP is closely linked to other pathways such as the folate and methionine cycles, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and glutathione (GSH) production. Impaired activity of the TSP will cause an increase in homocysteine and a decrease in cysteine levels. Homocysteine will also be increased due to impairment of the folate and methionine cycles. The key enzymes of the TSP, cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), are highly expressed in the liver and deficient CBS and CSE expression causes hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in animal models. A causative link between the TSP and NAFLD has not been established. However, dysfunctions in the TSP and related pathways, in terms of enzyme expression and the plasma levels of the metabolites (e.g., homocysteine, cystathionine, and cysteine), have been reported in NAFLD and liver cirrhosis in both animal models and humans. Further investigation of the TSP in relation to NAFLD may reveal mechanisms involved in the development and progression of NAFLD.
Globotrioasylsphingosine Levels and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Fabry Disease Patients
Authors: Wiest Maximilian Robert Justus , Toro Mario Damiano , Nowak Albina , Baur Joel , Fasler Katrin , Hamann Timothy , Al-Sheikh Mayss , Zweifel Sandrine Anne
Published: March 2021

Background: To date, there are no studies associating the dried blood spot (DBS) levels of globotrioasylsphingosine (lysoGb3) with quantitative optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) parameters in Fabry disease (FD) patients. Here, we aimed to investigate the association between OCTA vessel density (VD), vessel length density (VLD) with DBS lysoGb3. Methods: A retrospective, single center analysis of all consecutive FD patients enrolled at the Department of Ophthalmology of the University Hospital of Zurich from 1 December 2017 to 9 September 2020. An association between VD and VLD detected by OCTA and lysoGb3 was investigated using a linear mixed model. Results: A total of 57 FD patients (23 male, 34 female; 109 eyes) were included. Forty-one patients suffered from the classic phenotype and 16 from the later-onset phenotype. LysoGb3 inversely correlated with VD and VLD in both the superficial (VD: p = 0.034; VLD: p = 0.02) and deep capillary plexus (VD: p = 0.017; VLD: p = 0.018) in the overall FD cohort. Conclusions: Our study shows an association between lysoGb3 and OCTA VD and VLD. This supports the hypothesis that quantitative OCTA parameters might be useful as diagnostic biomarkers for evaluating systemic involvement in FD, and possibly other diseases.
Urinary Microbiome Characteristics in Female Patients with Acute Uncomplicated Cystitis and Recurrent Cystitis
Authors: Yoo Jeong-Ju , Shin Hee , Song Ju , Kim Minjung , Yun Jina , Kim Zisun , Lee Yoo , Lee Sang , Lee Kwang , Kim Woong , Ryu Chang , Park Sung-Woo , Park Seong , Song Ho-Yeon , Kim Young ,   on the behalf of SMS (Soonchunhyang microbiome multi-disciplinary study group)
Published: March 2021

Traditionally, the diagnostic mainstay of recurrent urinary tract infection has been urinary culture. However, the causative uropathogen of recurrent cystitis has not been well established. Urine DNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) can provide additional information on these infections. Herein, we compared urine NGS results and urine cultures in patients with acute uncomplicated cystitis (AUC) and recurrent cystitis (RC), and evaluated the difference in microbiome patterns in the NGS results. Patients who underwent urine culture and NGS due to AUC or RC were retrospectively reviewed. All urine samples were collected via a transurethral catheter and studied utilizing a type of NGS called 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplification and sequencing. The sensitivity of urine NGS was significantly higher than that of conventional urine culture (69.0% vs. 16.7%, p < 0.05). The detection rate of urine NGS was slightly lower in the RC group than in the AUC group (67.7% vs. 72.7%). Microbiome diversity was significantly higher in the RC group compared to the AUC group (p = 0.007), and the microbiome composition was significantly different between the AUC and RC groups. In the urine NGS results, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Enterobacteriaceae were found in the AUC group, and Sphingomonas, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Rothia spp. were detected in the RC group. Urine NGS can significantly increase the diagnostic sensitivity compared to traditional urine culture methods, especially in RC patients. AUC and RC patients had significant differences in bacterial diversity and patterns. Therefore, recurrent cystitis might be approached from a different perspective.
An Emulation of Randomized Trials of Administrating Antipsychotics in PTSD Patients for Outcomes of Suicide-Related Events
Authors: Delapaz Noah R. , Hor William K. , Gilbert Michael , La Andrew D. , Liang Feiran , Fan Peihao , Qi Xiguang , Guo Xiaojiang , Ying Jian , Sakolsky Dara , Kirisci Levent , Silverstein Jonathan C. , Wang Lirong
Published: March 2021

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent mental disorder marked by psychological and behavioral changes. Currently, there is no consensus of preferred antipsychotics to be used for the treatment of PTSD. We aim to discover whether certain antipsychotics have decreased suicide risk in the PTSD population, as these patients may be at higher risk. A total of 38,807 patients were identified with a diagnosis of PTSD through the ICD9 or ICD10 codes from January 2004 to October 2019. An emulation of randomized clinical trials was conducted to compare the outcomes of suicide-related events (SREs) among PTSD patients who ever used one of eight individual antipsychotics after the diagnosis of PTSD. Exclusion criteria included patients with a history of SREs and a previous history of antipsychotic use within one year before enrollment. Eligible individuals were assigned to a treatment group according to the antipsychotic initiated and followed until stopping current treatment, switching to another same class of drugs, death, or loss to follow up. The primary outcome was to identify the frequency of SREs associated with each antipsychotic. SREs were defined as ideation, attempts, and death by suicide. Pooled logistic regression methods with the Firth option were conducted to compare two drugs for their outcomes using SAS version 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA). The results were adjusted for baseline characteristics and post-baseline, time-varying confounders. A total of 5294 patients were eligible for enrollment with an average follow up of 7.86 months. A total of 157 SREs were recorded throughout this study. Lurasidone showed a statistically significant decrease in SREs when compared head to head to almost all the other antipsychotics: aripiprazole, haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone (p < 0.0001 and false discovery rate-adjusted p value < 0.0004). In addition, olanzapine was associated with higher SREs than quetiapine and risperidone, and ziprasidone was associated with higher SREs than risperidone. The results of this study suggest that certain antipsychotics may put individuals within the PTSD population at an increased risk of SREs, and that careful consideration may need to be taken when prescribed.
Genetic Polymorphisms of 5-HT Receptors and Antipsychotic-Induced Metabolic Dysfunction in Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Paderina Diana Z. , Boiko Anastasiia S. , Pozhidaev Ivan V. , Bocharova Anna V. , Mednova Irina A. , Fedorenko Olga Yu. , Kornetova Elena G. , Loonen Anton J.M. , Semke Arkadiy V. , Bokhan Nikolay A. , Ivanova Svetlana A.
Published: March 2021

Background: Antipsychotic-induced metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial disease with a genetic predisposition. Serotonin and its receptors are involved in antipsychotic-drug-induced metabolic disorders. The present study investigated the association of nine polymorphisms in the four 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor (HTR) genes HTR1A, HTR2A, HTR3A, and HTR2C and the gene encoding for the serotonin transporter SLC6A4 with MetS in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: A set of nine single-nucleotide polymorphisms of genes of the serotonergic system was investigated in a population of 475 patients from several Siberian regions (Russia) with a clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia. Genotyping was performed and the results were analyzed using chi-square tests. Results: Polymorphic variant rs521018 (HTR2C) was associated with higher body mass index in patients receiving long-term antipsychotic therapy, but not with drug-induced metabolic syndrome. Rs1150226 (HTR3A) was also associated but did not meet Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Conclusions: Our results indicate that allelic variants of HTR2C genes may have consequences on metabolic parameters. MetS may have too complex a mechanistic background to be studied without dissecting the syndrome into its individual (causal) components.
Optimising Performance for NB-IoT UE Devices through Data Driven Models
Authors: Nassef Omar , Mahmoodi Toktam , Michelinakis Foivos , Mahmood Kashif , Elmokashfi Ahmed
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a data driven framework for performance optimisation of Narrow-Band IoT user equipment. The proposed framework is an edge micro-service that suggests one-time configurations to user equipment communicating with a base station. Suggested configurations are delivered from a Configuration Advocate, to improve energy consumption, delay, throughput or a combination of those metrics, depending on the user-end device and the application. Reinforcement learning utilising gradient descent and genetic algorithm is adopted synchronously with machine and deep learning algorithms to predict the environmental states and suggest an optimal configuration. The results highlight the adaptability of the Deep Neural Network in the prediction of intermediary environmental states, additionally the results present superior performance of the genetic reinforcement learning algorithm regarding its performance optimisation.
Creating a Tourism Destination through Local Heritage: The Stakeholders’ Priorities in the Canavese Area (Northwest Italy)
Authors: Beltramo Riccardo , Peira Giovanni , Bonadonna Alessandro
Published: March 2021

A specific region, characterized by a significant natural and cultural heritage, is not necessarily a tourist destination. However, it can become so if there is active participation of local stakeholders oriented towards local development. In this context, this study focuses on a specific area, the Canavese (northwest Italy), which needs to find new regional development alternatives to the industrial sector. In particular, the research focused on the level of integration of local stakeholders and on their ability to identify common guidelines for tourist enhancement of the region. From an operational point of view, a survey of public and private stakeholders was carried out through a mixed-method approach divided into three stages: a questionnaire developed by a group of experts and individual interviews carried out by the Delphi method, presentation of the results, and identification of local priorities by the nominal group technique. Findings show the opportunity to act on specific elements to enhance local tourism offerings: outdoor nature and landscape, culture, and food and wine. Moreover, the stakeholders underlined the need for coordination among the parties involved to strengthen the local system. This activity should be supported by a single third party capable of managing the various phases of local development.
Association of Glomerular Filtration Rate and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Non-Diabetic Chronic Kidney Disease Patients over a 4-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Rizikalo Azer , Coric Slavica , Matetic Andrija , Vasilj Mirjana , Tocilj Zoran , Bozic Josko
Published: March 2021

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have increased risk of cardiovascular events. However, the association of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in non-diabetic CKD patients is under-investigated. This prospective study was conducted at University Clinical Hospital Mostar over a 4-year period and enrolled a total of 100 patients with stage 2 and 4 CKD (50 patients per group). Stage 4 CKD group had significantly higher baseline CIMT values (1.13 ± 0.25 vs. 0.74 ± 0.03 mm, P < 0.001), and more atherosclerotic plaques at the study onset (13 (26%) vs. 0 (0%), P < 0.001) compared to stage 2 CKD. A statistically significant 4-year increase in GFR (coefficient of 2.51, 3.25, 2.71 and 1.50 for 1-year, 2-year, 3-year and 4-year follow-up, respectively, P < 0.05) with non-significant CIMT alterations has been observed in stage 2 CKD. Furthermore, linear mixed effects analysis revealed significant decrease in GFR (coefficient of −6.69, −5.12, −3.18 and −1.77 for 1-year, 2-year, 3-year and 4-year follow-up, respectively, P < 0.001) with increase in CIMT (coefficient of 0.20, 0.14, 0.07 and 0.03 for 1-year, 2-year, 3-year and 4-year follow-up, respectively, P < 0.001) in stage 4 CKD. GFR and CIMT showed significant negative correlation in both CKD groups during all follow-up phases (P < 0.001). Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis revealed significant independent prediction of CIMT by baseline GFR (B = −0.85, P < 0.001), while there was no significant prediction of CIMT with other covariates. In conclusion, this study demonstrates significant association of GFR and CIMT in non-diabetic stage 2 and stage 4 CKD during the 4-year follow-up.
Aluminum Alloys with the Addition of Reduced Deep-Sea Nodules
Authors: Michalcová Alena , Orlíček Matouš , Novák Pavel
Published: March 2021

An innovative way to utilize deep-sea manganese nodules is described in this paper. The manganese nodules were reduced by aluminothermy and subsequently added into aluminum as a mixture of alloying elements in their natural ratio. The microstructure and properties of aluminum alloys containing 1.2, 7.7, and 9.7 wt % of reduced nodules were studied. The alloys were formed by Al matrix and minor amounts of Al6(Fe,Mn) and Al11Fe7 intermetallic phases. The alloys containing a higher amount of reduced nodules are characterized by very good thermal stability. The obtained alloys were studied by X-ray diffraction, their microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and their local chemical composition was analyzed by energy dispersive spectrometer. The hardness of the samples was measured on the initial materials and after long-term annealing. Based on the obtained results, the aluminum alloys, with the addition of reduced deep-sea nodules, can serve as precursors for processing, e.g., by rapid solidification or hot working methods.
Review on the Influence of Temperature upon Hydrogen Effects in Structural Alloys
Authors: Michler Thorsten , Schweizer Frank , Wackermann Ken
Published: March 2021

It is well-documented experimentally that the influence of hydrogen on the mechanical properties of structural alloys like austenitic stainless steels, nickel superalloys, and carbon steels strongly depends on temperature. A typical curve plotting any hydrogen-affected mechanical property as a function of temperature gives a temperature THE,max, where the degradation of this mechanical property reaches a maximum. Above and below this temperature, the degradation is less. Unfortunately, the underlying physico-mechanical mechanisms are not currently understood to the level of detail required to explain such temperature effects. Though this temperature effect is important to understand in the context of engineering applications, studies to explain or even predict the effect of temperature upon the mechanical properties of structural alloys could not be identified. The available experimental data are scattered significantly, and clear trends as a function of chemistry or microstructure are difficult to see. Reported values for THE,max are in the range of about 200–340 K, which covers the typical temperature range for the design of structural components of about 230–310 K (from −40 to +40 °C). That is, the value of THE,max itself, as well as the slope of the gradient, might affect the materials selection for a dedicated application. Given the current lack of scientific understanding, a statistical approach appears to be a suitable way to account for the temperature effect in engineering applications. This study reviews the effect of temperature upon hydrogen effects in structural alloys and proposes recommendations for test temperatures for gaseous hydrogen applications.
Comparative Study on Electronic Structure and Optical Properties of α-Fe2O3, Ag/α-Fe2O3 and S/α-Fe2O3
Authors: Zhao Cuihua , Li Baishi , Zhou Xi , Chen Jianhua , Tang Hongqun
Published: March 2021

The electronic structures and optical properties of pure, Ag-doped and S-doped α-Fe2O3 were studied using density functional theory (DFT). The calculation results show that the structure of α-Fe2O3 crystal changes after Ag and S doping, which leads to the different points of the high symmetry of Ag-doped and S-doped α-Fe2O3 with that of pure α-Fe2O3 in the energy band, as well as different Brillouin paths. In addition, the band gap of α-Fe2O3 becomes smaller after Ag and S doping, and the optical absorption peak shifts slightly toward the short wavelength, with the increased peak strength of S/α-Fe2O3 and the decreased peak strength of Ag/α-Fe2O3. However, the optical absorption in the visible range is enhanced after Ag and S doping compared with that of pure α-Fe2O3 when the wavelength is greater than 380 nm, and the optical absorption of S-doped α-Fe2O3 is stronger than that of Ag-doped α-Fe2O3.