bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topic Modeling Analysis of Diabetes-Related Health Information during the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic
Authors: Min Soyoon , Han Jeongwon
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to provide diabetes-related health information by analyzing queries posted in the diabetes-related online community required during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 9156 queries from the diabetes-related online community, dated between 1 December 2019 and 3 May 2022, were used in the study. The collected data were preprocessed for bidirectional encoder representation from transformer topic modeling analysis. Topics were extracted using the class-based term frequency–inverse document frequency for nouns and verbs. From the extracted verbs, words with common definitions were subject to substitution and unification processes, which enabled the identification of multifrequent verb categories by noun topics. The following nine noun topics were extracted, in this order: dietary management, drug management, gestational and childhood diabetes, management of diabetic complications, use and cost of medical treatment, blood glucose management, exercise treatment, COVID-19 vaccine and complications, and diabetes in older adults. The top three verb categories by noun topics were permission, method, and possibility. This study provided baseline data that can be used by clinical nurses to deliver diabetes-related education and management based on information sought by patients.
Interpretation of Hyperspectral Images Using Integrated Gradients to Detect Bruising in Lemons
Authors: Pourdarbani Razieh , Sabzi Sajad , Nadimi Mohammad , Paliwal Jitendra
Published: June 2023

Lemons are a popular citrus fruit known for their medicinal and nutritional properties. However, fresh lemons are vulnerable to mechanical damage during transportation, with bruising being a common issue. Bruising reduces the fruit’s shelf life and increases the risk of bacterial and fungal contamination, leading to economic losses. Furthermore, discoloration typically occurs after 24 h, so it is crucial to detect bruised fruits promptly. This paper proposes a novel method for detecting bruising in lemons using hyperspectral imaging and integrated gradients. A dataset of hyperspectral images was captured in the wavelength range of 400–1100 nm for lemons that were sound and artificially bruised (8 and 16 h after bruising), with three distinct classes of images corresponding to these conditions. The dataset was divided into three subsets i.e., training (70%), validation (20%), and testing (10%). Spatial–spectral data were analyzed using three 3D-convolutional neural networks: ResNetV2, PreActResNet, and MobileNetV2 with parameter sizes of 242, 176, and 9, respectively. ResNetV2 achieved the highest classification accuracy of 92.85%, followed by PreActResNet at 85.71% and MobileNetV2 at 83.33%. Our results demonstrate that the proposed method effectively detects bruising in lemons by analyzing darker pixels in the images, subsequently confirming the presence of bruised areas through their spatial distribution and accumulation. Overall, this study highlights the potential of hyperspectral imaging and integrated gradients for detecting bruised fruits, which could help reduce food waste and economic losses.
Statistical Approach for Computing Base Flow Rates in Gaged Rivers and Hydropower Effect Analysis
Authors: Villalba-Barrios Andrés F. , Coronado-Hernández Oscar E. , Fuertes-Miquel Vicente S. , Coronado-Hernández Jairo R. , Ramos Helena M.
Published: June 2023

The calculation of base flow rates in rivers is complex since hydrogeological and hydrological studies should be performed. The estimation of base flow rates in storm hydrograph associated to various return periods is even more challenging compared to other events. This research provides a novel methodology to compute base flow rates in gaged rivers for extreme events based on statistical correlations of daily flows. The current methodology does not require complex aquifers analysis to compute base flows. Results of computed base flow rates are validated using observed storm hydrographs using a complete record. The proposed methodology was applied considering measurements of a limnigraphic station in the Sinú river located in Montería, Córdoba, Colombia. The analysis confirmed that only using series of multiannual monthly mean flows is possible to estimate base flow of flood hydrograph associated to different return periods.
Providing Oral Healthcare to Older Patients—Do We Have What It Takes?
Authors: da Mata Cristiane , Allen Patrick Finbarr
Published: June 2023

Over the past decades, there has been an increase in the number of natural teeth that are maintained into older age, and this has represented an increase in the need for more complex dental treatment for this population. A trained workforce is needed in order to provide dental care to the different groups of elderly. Currently, the undergraduate training in gerodontology offered by dental schools seems to be limited, with great variation among dental schools worldwide. Given the heterogeneity of elderly groups, it is unlikely that new graduates from dental schools can be deemed competent to deal with the different groups of elderly. In this article, barriers to oral healthcare’s provision to older adults are discussed, including the lack of appropriately trained dental professionals. Training pathways are discussed, including the preparation of undergraduate education to provide a suitable foundation to be developed further in postgraduate education. It is also proposed that older adults are classified according to their dependency level and each level is managed by properly trained dental professionals. In order to upskill general dental practitioners to care for these patients, postgraduate certification programmes could be structured to provide additional training. Furthermore, the development of geriatric oral health educational programmes for non-dental healthcare workers is recommended.
mapSR: A Deep Neural Network for Super-Resolution of Raster Map
Authors: Li Honghao , Zhou Xiran , Yan Zhigang
Published: June 2023

The purpose of multisource map super-resolution is to reconstruct high-resolution maps based on low-resolution maps, which is valuable for content-based map tasks such as map recognition and classification. However, there is no specific super-resolution method for maps, and the existing image super-resolution methods often suffer from missing details when reconstructing maps. We propose a map super-resolution (mapSR) model that fuses local and global features for super-resolution reconstruction of low-resolution maps. Specifically, the proposed model consists of three main modules: a shallow feature extraction module, a deep feature fusion module, and a map reconstruction module. First, the shallow feature extraction module initially extracts the image features and embeds the images with appropriate dimensions. The deep feature fusion module uses Transformer and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to focus on extracting global and local features, respectively, and fuses them by weighted summation. Finally, the map reconstruction module uses upsampling methods to reconstruct the map features into the high-resolution map. We constructed a high-resolution map dataset for training and validating the map super-resolution model. Compared with other models, the proposed method achieved the best results in map super-resolution.
Literature Review: Clinical Data Interoperability Models
Authors: Ait Abdelouahid Rachida , Debauche Olivier , Mahmoudi Saïd , Marzak Abdelaziz
Published: June 2023

A medical entity (hospital, nursing home, rest home, revalidation center, etc.) usually includes a multitude of information systems that allow for quick decision-making close to the medical sensors. The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is an area of IoT that generates a lot of data of different natures (radio, CT scan, medical reports, medical sensor data). However, these systems need to share and exchange medical information in a seamless, timely, and efficient manner with systems that are either within the same entity or other healthcare entities. The lack of inter- and intra-entity interoperability causes major problems in the analysis of patient records and leads to additional financial costs (e.g., redone examinations). To develop a medical data interoperability architecture model that will allow providers and different actors in the medical community to exchange patient summary information with other caregivers and partners to improve the quality of care, the level of data security, and the efficiency of care should take stock of the state of knowledge. This paper discusses the challenges faced by medical entities in sharing and exchanging medical information seamlessly and efficiently. It highlights the need for inter- and intra-entity interoperability to improve the analysis of patient records, reduce financial costs, and enhance the quality of care. The paper reviews existing solutions proposed by various researchers and identifies their limitations. The analysis of the literature has shown that the HL7 FHIR standard is particularly well adapted for exchanging and storing health data, while DICOM, CDA, and JSON can be converted in HL7 FHIR or HL7 FHIR to these formats for interoperability purposes. This approach covers almost all use cases.
The Influence of Recipe-Technological Factors on the Resistance to Chloride Attack of Variotropic and Conventional Concrete
Authors: Shcherban’ Evgenii M. , Stel’makh Sergey A. , Beskopylny Alexey N. , Mailyan Levon R. , Meskhi Besarion , Varavka Valery , Chernil’nik Andrei , Elshaeva Diana , Ananova Oxana
Published: June 2023

A current problem in the construction industry is the lack of complex, scientifically based technological materials and design solutions for universal types of building materials, products, and structures, especially in terms of structures operating under conditions of aggressive chloride exposure. The aim of the study was to compare and evaluate the differences in the durability of conventional and variotropic concretes made using three different technologies, vibrating, centrifuging, and vibro-centrifuging, modified with the addition of microsilica, under conditions of cyclic chloride attack. Laboratory experiments and analyses using scanning electron microscopy were conducted. Vibro-centrifuged concrete showed the highest resistance to cyclic aggressive chloride exposure, which was expressed by a lower percentage drop in compressive strength compared to vibrated (87%) and centrifuged concrete (24%). The use of a microsilica as a modifying additive in the amount of 2–6%, instead of as a part of the binder, had a positive effect on the resistance of concrete to cyclic chloride attack. The most effective intervention was the introduction of additives in the amount of 4%. There was a reduction in the loss of strength of vibrated, centrifuged, and vibro-centrifuged concrete after 90 “dry-wet” cycles, as a result of the use of a modifying additive, in an amount between 45% and 55%, depending on the type of technology being used for producing a composite. The combined effect of the use of vibro-centrifuged concrete and microsilica led to a 188% decrease in strength loss resulting from cyclic chloride exposure.
On the Current Status of Ullmann-Type N-Arylation Reactions Promoted by Heterogeneous Catalysts
Authors: Mastalir Ágnes , Molnár Árpád
Published: June 2023

Ullmann-type C–N heterocoupling reactions have been applied for the syntheses of N-arylated amines. In the past decade, transition metal-catalyzed N-arylations have been recognized as particularly efficient procedures for the preparation of nitrogen-containing aromatic systems. These reactions typically carried out under optimized conditions, have also been found to be suitable for the synthesis of complex molecules with other functional groups, including natural products, drugs, or pharmaceuticals. Most importantly, copper-catalyzed N-arylations have been studied and employed in the total synthesis of biologically active compounds. The construction of fused N-heterocyclic compounds also remained the subject of extensive research because of their potential applications in drug discovery and the development of functional materials. The aim of this review is to summarize the recent progress in the synthetic applications of Ullmann-type N-arylation reactions performed in heterogeneous systems. In particular, the utilization of copper and palladium species immobilized on various support materials, modified by surface functionalization, has been discussed and evaluated.
COVID-19 and Fatty Liver Disorders
Authors: Guarino Maria , Cossiga Valentina , Cutolo Francesco , Attanasio Maria , Lieto Raffaele , Morisco Filomena
Published: June 2023

In late 2019, the world was shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus—2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection became one of the main causes of illness and hospitalization worldwide, especially in subjects with metabolic comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, or liver disease. This scenario crosses with the metabolic liver disorders’ “pandemic”, caused by the exponential spreading of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is now the most prevalent cause of chronic liver disease (CLD). The aim of this review is to analyze the key factors of the relationship between COVID-19 and the spectrum of fatty liver disorders (FLD), in terms of molecular mechanisms and clinical presentation which can predict a more severe course of the infection. In addition, this review will face the change in management of FLD during pandemics, with a central role of telemedicine, and the role of other interventions in preventing and treating severe infection in these subjects.
An Epidemiologic Study of the Incidence and Mortality of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Koreans Aged ≥50 Years from 2009 to 2018 Based on a National Database
Authors: Kim Hyangkyoung , Kwon Tae-Won , Cho Yong-Pil , Gwon Jun Gyo , Han Youngjin , Lee Sang Ah , Kim Ye-Jee , Kim Seonok
Published: June 2023

Large-scale population studies of the incidence of and mortality from abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are needed to develop healthcare policies and priorities. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of AAA and the all-cause mortality from it among Koreans aged ≥50 years from 2009 to 2018 using data from the Korean National Health Insurance System Database. The crude and standardized incidence and all-cause mortality of the disease among patients with unruptured AAA were calculated. A total of 73,933 AAA patients were identified. The overall incidence of AAA in adults ≥50 years during the study period was 37.5 per 100,000 population (49.7 per 100,000 in men and 26.8 per 100,000 in women), with an increase from 32.33 per 100,000 persons in 2009 to 46.85 per 100,000 in 2018. The crude all-cause mortality rate of patients with untreated AAA was 21.26/100 person-years in 2009 and 8.87/100 person-years in 2018, with decreasing trends observed both in men and women. This nationwide study showed that the incidence of AAA in Koreans aged ≥50 years in 2018 was 63.40 per 100,000 in men and 32.07 per 100,000 in women. The overall rates were 0.06% and 0.03%, respectively, with an increasing trend. Mortality has decreased in both treated and untreated patients. The observed increase in incidence suggests a rising burden of AAA in the Korean population, particularly among men. The decreasing mortality rates may indicate improvements in the management and treatment of AAA over the study period.
Morphology and Anatomical Classification of Pericardial Cavities: Oblique and Transverse Sinuses
Authors: Burysz Marian , Batko Jakub , Olejek Wojciech , Piotrowski Michał , Litwinowicz Radosław , Słomka Artur , Kowalewski Mariusz , Suwalski Piotr , Bartuś Krzysztof , Rams Daniel
Published: June 2023

The pericardial sinuses are an important anatomical feature of the pericardial cavity, however, their clinical anatomy has not been thoroughly studied. In this study, we aim to provide the first classification of the oblique and transverse sinuses. We analyzed 121 computer tomography scans (46.3% female, age of 66 ± 12 years) of the pericardial cavity. The oblique sinuses were classified into four types: 1 (shallow with narrow entrance), 2 (shallow with wide entrance), 3 (deep with narrow entrance), and 4 (deep with wide entrance). The transverse sinuses were classified into four types: Concave, Wine-type, Straight, and Convex. The most common oblique sinus type was Type 1. The median oblique sinus volume was 8.4 (5.3) mL, the median entrance length was 33.0 (13.2) mm, and the depth was 38.2 (11.8) mm. The most common transverse sinus type was Concave. The median transverse sinus volume was 14.8 (6.5) mL, and the median length was 52.8 (17.7) mm. Our study provides an anatomical classification of the pericardial sinuses. The individual variability of the sinuses’ morphology highlights the importance of understanding the clinical topography of the sinuses, particularly for minimally invasive thoracic ablation procedures.
Evidence-Based Approach of Biologic Therapy in Bronchial Asthma
Authors: Liaqat Adnan , Mason Mathew , Foster Brian , Gregory Grant , Patel Avani , Barlas Aisha , Kulkarni Sagar , Basso Rafaela , Patak Pooja , Liaqat Hamza , Qureshi Muhammad , Shehata Abdelrahman , Awad Yousef , Ghaly Mina , Gulzar Qamar , Doty Walter
Published: June 2023

The emergence of biologic agents in the treatment of bronchial asthma has a wide impact on improving quality of life, reducing morbidity, and overall health care utilization. These therapies usually work by targeting specific inflammatory pathways involving type 2 inflammation and are particularly effective in severe eosinophilic asthma. Various randomized controlled trials have shown their effectiveness by reducing exacerbation rates and decreasing required glucocorticoid dosages. One of the relatively newer agents, tezepelumab, targets thymic stromal lymphoprotein and has proven its efficacy in patients independent of asthma phenotype and serum biomarker levels. This article reviews the pathophysiologic mechanism behind biologic therapy and offers an evidence-based discussion related to the indication, benefits, and adverse effects of such therapies.
Effectiveness of Physical Therapy Interventions for Temporomandibular Disorders Associated with Tinnitus: A Systematic Review
Authors: da Silva Marianne Trajano , Silva Carlos , Silva Jade , Costa Mateus , Gadotti Inae , Ribeiro Karyna
Published: June 2023

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) refers to different clinical conditions affecting the temporomandibular joints, masticatory muscles, and adjacent structures. Although TMDs signs and symptoms (e.g., pain and limited mouth opening) are common, otological symptoms, such as tinnitus, might also be present. This study aims to summarize the evidence of the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions in individuals with TMDs associated with tinnitus. Randomized controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of physical therapy in individuals of both genders aged 18 or older with TMDs associated with tinnitus were included. The electronic search was performed in the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro and CENTRAL. A total of four studies were included. All studies showed that physical therapy reduced the intensity of tinnitus, and two trials showed a decrease in the pain intensity caused by TMDs, an increase in the pressure pain thresholds in the masticatory muscles and an improvement of mandibular function. Two studies presented a low risk of bias. Despite a low certainty of the evidence, this review showed that physical therapy reduces the intensity or severity of tinnitus associated with TMDs. Results may support future research on the topic and evidence-based practice by recommending the best physical therapy approach for patients, clinicians, researchers, and health system managers.
Rule-Based Control Studies of LNG–Battery Hybrid Tugboat
Authors: Roslan Sharul Baggio , Tay Zhi Yung , Konovessis Dimitrios , Ang Joo Hock , Menon Nirmal Vineeth
Published: June 2023

The use of hybrid energy systems in ships has increased in recent years due to environmental concerns and rising fuel prices. This paper focuses on the development and study of a hybrid energy system using liquefied natural gas (LNG) and batteries for a tugboat. The hybrid system model is created in MATLAB/Simulink® and uses fuel data obtained from an operational diesel-powered tugboat. The LNG–hybrid system is then subjected to testing in four distinct configurations: fixed speed, variable speed, and with and without a battery. The different configurations are compared by computing the daily fuel cost, CO2 emissions, energy efficiency operation indicator (EEOI) and carbon intensity indicator (CII) ratings in three distinct operation cases. The analysis reveals that the use of an LNG–battery hybrid tugboat results in an average reduction of 67.2% in CO2 emissions and an average decrease of 64.0% in daily fuel cost compared to a diesel system. An energy management system using rule-based (RB) control is incorporated to compare the daily cost and CO2 emissions for one of the case studies. The rule-based control that requires the battery to be used and the LNG engine to be switched off at the lowest allowable minimum power based on the specific gas consumption produces the most cost-effective control strategy out of all the different control strategies tested. The result demonstrates that an additional reduction of CO2 and daily fuel cost for LNG–battery hybrid tugboats by 23.8% and 22.3%, respectively, could be achieved with the implementation of the cost-effective strategy as compared to not having a control strategy.
Artificial Mussels: A New Tool for Monitoring Radionuclides in Aquatic Environments
Authors: Yang Yi , Chow Tze W. , Zhang Yi Q. , Yu Peter K. N. , Ko Chi C. , Wu Rudolf S. S.
Published: June 2023

Existing methods for monitoring radionuclides in aquatic environments require frequent sampling of a large volume of water, followed by tedious concentration and analytical procedures, which often make it impractical. Mussels have also been commonly employed to monitor radionuclides but bioaccumulation is significantly affected by physical and biological factors. This study explored the feasibility of using the ‘Artificial Mussel’ (AM) as a new tool for monitoring radionuclides in marine environments. We showed that (a) the uptake and accumulation of 238U, 88Sr, and 133Cs by AMs are directly related to their concentration in water, and equilibrium could be reached within 7 to 8 weeks with high concentration factors. Our results suggest that AMs can serve as an effective and practical tool for monitoring radionuclides in the aquatic environment and overcoming the difficulties faced by existing methods in radionuclide monitoring.
Changing Epidemiology of Tinea Capitis in Athens, Greece: The Impact of Immigration and Review of Literature
Authors: Charpantidis Stefanos , Siopi Maria , Pappas Georgios , Theodoridou Kalliopi , Tsiamis Constantinos , Samonis George , Chryssou Stella-Eugenia , Gregoriou Stamatios , Rigopoulos Dimitrios , Tsakris Athanasios , Vrioni Georgia
Published: June 2023

Mass population movements have altered the epidemiology of tinea capitis (TC) in countries receiving refugees. Periodic monitoring of the local pathogen profiles may serve as a basis for both the selection of appropriate empirical antifungal therapy and the implementation of preventive actions. Therefore, we investigated the impact of an unprecedented immigration wave occurring in Greece since 2015 on the epidemiological trends of TC. All microbiologically confirmed TC cases diagnosed during the period 2012–2019 in a referral academic hospital for dermatological disorders in Athens, Greece, were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 583 patients were recorded, where 348 (60%) were male, 547 (94%) were children and 160 (27%) were immigrants from Balkan, Middle Eastern, Asian as well as African countries. The overall annual incidence of TC was 0.49, with a significant increase over the years (p = 0.007). M. canis was the predominant causative agent (74%), followed by T. violaceum (12%), T. tonsurans (7%) and other rare dermatophyte species (7%). M. canis prevalence decreased from 2014 to 2019 (84% to 67%, p = 0.021) in parallel with a three-fold increase in T. violaceum plus T. tonsurans rates (10% to 32%, p = 0.002). An increasing incidence of TC with a shift towards anthropophilic Trichophyton spp. in Greece could be linked to the immigration flows from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
Elliptical and Skew-Elliptical Regression Models and Their Applications to Financial Data Analytics
Authors: Dewick Paul , Liu Shuangzhe , Liu Yonghui , Ma Tiefeng
Published: June 2023

Various statistical distributions have played significant roles in financial data analytics in recent decades. Among these, elliptical modeling has gained popularity, while the study and application of skew-elliptical modeling have garnered increased attention in various domains. This paper begins by acknowledging the notable accomplishments and contributions of Professor Chris Heyde in the field of financial data modeling. We provide a comprehensive review of elliptical and skew-elliptical modeling, summarizing the latest advancements. In particular, we focus on the characteristics, estimation methods, and diagnostics of elliptical and skew-elliptical distributions in regression and time series models, as well as copula modeling. Furthermore, we discuss several related applications in regression and time series models, including estimation and diagnostic methods. The main objective of this paper is to address the critical need for accurately identifying the underlying elliptical distribution, whether it is elliptical or skew-elliptical. This identification is essential for conducting local influence diagnostics and employing appropriate regression methods using suitable elliptical modeling techniques. To illustrate this process, we present examples that demonstrate the identification of the elliptical distribution, starting with the Box–Jenkins methodology and progressing to copula modeling. The inclusion of copula modeling is motivated by its effectiveness in conjunction with elliptical and skew-elliptical distributions, as it aids in distinguishing between the two. Ultimately, the findings of this paper offer valuable insights, as correctly determining the elliptical and skew-elliptical distribution enables the application of suitable local influence and regression methods, thereby contributing to financial portfolio management, business analytics, and insurance analytics, ensuring the accurate specification of models.
Estimating Value-at-Risk in the EURUSD Currency Cross from Implied Volatilities Using Machine Learning Methods and Quantile Regression
Authors: Blom Herman Mørkved , de Lange Petter Eilif , Risstad Morten
Published: June 2023

In this study, we propose a semiparametric, parsimonious value-at-risk forecasting model, based on quantile regression and machine learning methods, combined with readily available market prices of option contracts from the over-the-counter foreign exchange rate interbank market. We aim at improving existing methods for VaR prediction of currency investments using machine learning. We employ two different methods, i.e., ensemble methods and neural networks. Explanatory variables are implied volatilities with plausible economic interpretation. The forward-looking nature of the model, achieved by the application of implied volatilities as risk factors, ensures that new information is rapidly reflected in value-at-risk estimates. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to utilize information in the volatility surface, combined with machine learning and quantile regression, for VaR prediction of currency investments. The proposed ensemble models achieve good estimates across all quantiles. The light gradient boosting machine model and the categorical boosting model both yield estimates which are better than, or equal to, those of the benchmark model. In general, neural network models are quite unstable.
Sustainable Rural Development through Local Cultural Heritage Capitalization—Analyzing the Cultural Tourism Potential in Rural Romanian Areas: A Case Study of Hărman Commune of Brașov Region in Romania
Authors: Ancuța Cătălina , Jucu Ioan Sebastian
Published: June 2023

This paper explores the issues connected between rural sustainable development in formerly state-socialist countries and the local cultural heritage of rural areas. It pays specific attention to the potential of cultural tourism which can enhance local rural development. This paper is a case study of the Hărman commune, and this area is investigated in depth. It is one of the most important rural and cultural areas located in Brașov County of Romania, a country with an impressive cultural heritage concentrated in its rural areas. The study uses a mixed-method analysis combining quantitative and qualitative research (focus groups, interviews, oral histories, and personal conversions), participatory ethnographic observation, and logical framework analysis (LFA). The main findings of the study illustrate that the Hărman commune has an important cultural heritage which could be more capitalized on in the future through the lens of cultural tourism to ensure local sustainability and to open up new perspectives in terms of local development, connecting rural and cultural tourism with other economic activities. Furthermore, the main findings of this study represent, beyond an informative platform for the local actors in rural development, an inspiring instrument that could frame new policies in local rural sustainable development and fertile backgrounds for new debates in local rural sustainability, enriching local agendas on rural sustainable development through cultural heritage capitalization and cultural tourism.
Relative and Cumulative Effects of Climate and Land Use Change on Hydrological Ecosystem Services in Northeast China
Authors: Wang Mengqi , Lei Guoping
Published: June 2023

Climate change (CC) and land use change (LUC) have been determined as two major environmental change variables that broadly affect hydrological ecosystem services (HESs). However, the relative and cumulative effects of CC and LUC on HES at large spatial scales where there is great environmental heterogeneity is still unclear enough to support the formulation and update of land use decision-making and ecological management policies. This study has quantified the spatiotemporal change of HESs (water yield, water purification, soil retention) from 1992 to 2020 in northeast China, and evaluated the relative contribution and cumulative effects of CC and LUC on HESs through environmental setting scenarios and using two indicators (the Relative Importance Index and the Combined Effects Index). This study yielded the following results: (1) From 1992 to 2020, water yield (WY) (+94.33 mm) and soil retention (SR) (5.28 × 103 t/km2) both showed an upward trend from 1992 to 2020 and an upward trend in nitrogen export (NE) indicating a decline in water purification (WP). (2) There was significant spatial heterogeneity of HESs in northeast China, which included significant increases in WY in the Sanjiang Plain; NE in the Songnen Plain (SNP), Sanjiang Plain (SJP), and Liao River Plain (LJP); and SR in the Greater Khingan Mountains (GKMR), Lesser Khingan Mountains (LKMR), and Changbai Mountains (CBMR). (3) WY was more affected by CC than LUC, especially in the SJP, the eastern LRP, and the southern CBMR; NE was more affected by LUC than CC in the western LRP, the southern GKMR, and the southwestern SNP; SR was more affected by LUC than CC in the GKMR; SR was more affected by CC than LUC and intensity gradually increased in the CBMR and LKMR. (4) The cumulative effect of CC and LUC contributed to HESs in most regions but inhibited HESs in some regions; warming and forestland expansion especially significantly inhibited WY. Our study emphasizes that current land use policies and ecosystem management practices should consider the relative and cumulative effects of CC and LUC on HESs to maintain diverse ecosystem services and ensure human well-being.
Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma Metastatic to the Larynx and Trachea: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ciolofan Mircea Sorin , Mogoantă Carmen Aurelia , Ioniță Iulică , Mitroi Mihaela Roxana , Mitroi George F. , Anghelina Florin , Vlăescu Alexandru Nicolae , Căpitănescu Alina Nicoleta , Vîlcea Alina Maria , Mitroi George G. , Ică Oana Maria , Stoica Loredana Elena
Published: June 2023

Malignant melanoma rarely develops in mucous membranes. Statistical data show that approximately 0.6–9.3% of patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma will develop metastases in the upper aerodigestive tract mucosa, and within these metastatic sites, the least common are the laryngeal and tracheobronchial ones. This exceedingly rare clinical entity has no clear treatment recommendations; radical surgery does not seem to benefit the patient in term of life expectancy. We present the case of a 56-year-old male patient diagnosed with laryngeal and tracheobronchial melanoma metastases. Prior to admission to our clinic the patient had a personal history of malignant melanoma of the nuchal region operated on 7 years ago, malignant melanoma of the gallbladder and metastatic left axillary polyadenopathy for which he underwent surgical treatment 3 months prior. Histopathological and immunohistochemical reports established the diagnosis of laryngeal metastasis of malignant melanoma. Genetic molecular analysis was positive for B-Raf (BRAF) gene and hence Vemurafenib was administered, with a favorable outcome at the one-year follow-up. Nevertheless, there are currently no clear universally accepted guidelines for the treatment of laryngeal melanoma, mainly due to the rarity of this clinical entity. We conducted a review of similar cases reported in the literature. Interestingly, reviewing the cases reported in the literature, it appears that laryngeal metastases of a primary cutaneous melanoma are more common in men, with an average time to metastasis of 4.3 years.
New Biomarker Combination Related to Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Dammak Azza , Sanchez Naves Juan , Huete-Toral Fernando , Carracedo Gonzalo
Published: June 2023

Glaucoma is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease and the second leading cause of blindness. Detection of clinically relevant biomarkers would aid better diagnoses and monitoring during treatment. In glaucoma, the protein composition of aqueous humor (AH) is relevant for the discovery of biomarkers. This study analyzes AH protein concentrations of putative biomarkers in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) compared to a control group. Biomarkers were selected from known oxidative-stress and inflammatory pathways. Osteopontin (OPN), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured using the ELISA technique. Thirty-two patients were recruited to the study, including sixteen control and sixteen glaucoma patients. The glaucoma group consisted of patients diagnosed with glaucoma. In both groups, the aqueous humor sample was obtained during cataract surgery. A significant increase in OPN, MMP-9, TNF-alpha, and IL-10 was observed in the POAG aqueous humor, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Of note, the AH of POAG patients contained 5.6 ± 1.2-fold more OPN compared to that of control patients. Different expression profiles of oxidative stress-related and inflammatory biomarkers were observed between patients with POAG and controls. This confirms the reported involvement of inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways in POAG pathophysiology. In the future, several, targeted AH proteins may be used to generate a potential biomarker expression profile of this disease, aiding diagnoses and disease progression monitoring. This approach highlights the importance of biomarkers in the future. Biomarkers provide a way to measure disease progression and response to treatment. In the future, biomarkers will play a more critical role in the toolkit of ophthalmology healthcare professionals as the field moves towards personalized medicine and precision healthcare.
Chondrocyte Homeostasis and Differentiation: Transcriptional Control and Signaling in Healthy and Osteoarthritic Conditions
Authors: Michelacci Yara M. , Baccarin Raquel Y. A. , Rodrigues Nubia N. P.
Published: June 2023

Chondrocytes are the main cell type in articular cartilage. They are embedded in an avascular, abundant, and specialized extracellular matrix (ECM). Chondrocytes are responsible for the synthesis and turnover of the ECM, in which the major macromolecular components are collagen, proteoglycans, and non-collagen proteins. The crosstalk between chondrocytes and the ECM plays several relevant roles in the regulation of cell phenotype. Chondrocytes live in an avascular environment in healthy cartilage with a low oxygen supply. Although chondrocytes are adapted to anaerobic conditions, many of their metabolic functions are oxygen-dependent, and most cartilage oxygen is supplied by the synovial fluid. This review focuses on the transcription control and signaling responsible for chondrocyte differentiation, homeostasis, senescence, and cell death and the changes that occur in osteoarthritis. The effects of chondroitin sulfate and other molecules as anti-inflammatory agents are also approached and analyzed.
Effects of Low-Frequency Randomly Polarized Electromagnetic Radiation, as Revealed upon Swelling of Polymer Membrane in Water with Different Isotopic Compositions
Authors: Gudkov Sergey V. , Astashev Maxim E. , Baymler Ilya V. , Bolotskova Polina N. , Kozlov Valery A. , Simakin Alexander V. , Khuong Minh T. , Fomina Polina A. , Bunkin Nikolai F.
Published: June 2023

Photoluminescence from the surface of Nafion polymer membrane upon swelling in water under irradiation by electromagnetic waves at a frequency of 100 MHz was studied. In these experiments, natural deionized (DI) water with a deuterium content of 157 ppm and deuterium-depleted water (DDW, deuterium content is 1 ppm) were explored. We have studied for the first time the effect of linearly and randomly polarized low-frequency electromagnetic radiation on the luminescence excitation. To obtain low-frequency electromagnetic radiation with random polarizations, anisotropic solid submicron-sized particles, which result in depolarization effects upon scattering of the initially linearly polarized radiation, were used. We compared two types of colloidal particles: spherically symmetric (isotropic) and elongated (anisotropic). If the radiation is linearly polarized, the intensity of luminescence from the Nafion surface decreases exponentially as the polymer is soaked, and such a behavior is observed both in natural DI water and DDW. When spherically symmetric submicron-sized particles are added to a liquid sample, the luminescence intensity also decreases exponentially upon swelling in both natural DI water and DDW. At the same time, when anisotropic submicron-sized particles are added to DI water, random jumps in the luminescence intensity appear during swelling. At the same time, the exponential decrease in the luminescence intensity is retained upon swelling in DDW. A qualitative theoretical model for the occurrence of random jumps in the luminescence intensity is presented.
Thermal Decomposition Path—Studied by the Simultaneous Thermogravimetry Coupled with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry—Of Imidazoline/Dimethyl Succinate Hybrids and Their Biological Characterization
Authors: Worzakowska Marta , Sztanke Małgorzata , Rzymowska Jolanta , Sztanke Krzysztof
Published: June 2023

The thermal decomposition path of synthetically and pharmacologically useful hybrid materials was analyzed in inert and oxidizing conditions for the first time and presented in this article. All the imidazoline/dimethyl succinate hybrids (1–5) were studied using the simultaneous thermogravimetry (TG) coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS). It was found that the tested compounds were thermally stable up to 200–208 °C (inert conditions) and up to 191–197 °C (oxidizing conditions). In both furnace atmospheres, their decomposition paths were multi-step processes. At least two major stages (inert conditions) and three major stages (oxidizing conditions) of their decomposition were observed. The first decomposition stage occurred between T5% and 230–237 °C. It was connected with the breaking of one ester bond. This led to the emission of one methanol molecule and the formation of radicals capable of further radical reactions in both used atmospheres. At the second decomposition stage (Tmax2) between 230–237 °C and 370 °C (inert conditions), or at about 360 °C (oxidizing conditions), the cleavage of the second ester bond and N-N and C-C bonds led to the emission of CH3OH, HCN, N2, and CO2 and other radical fragments that reacted with each other to form clusters and large clusters. Heating the tested compounds to a temperature of about 490 °C resulted in the emission of NH3, HCN, HNCO, aromatic amines, carbonyl fragments, and the residue (Tmax2a) in both atmospheres. In oxidizing conditions, the oxidation of the formed residues (Tmax3) was related to the production of CO2, CO, and H2O. These studies confirmed the same radical decomposition mechanism of the tested compounds both in inert and oxidizing conditions. The antitumor activities and toxicities to normal cells of the imidazoline/dimethyl succinate hybrids were also evaluated. As a result, the two hybrid materials (3 and 5) proved to be the most selective in biological studies, and therefore, they should be utilized in further, more extended in vivo investigations.
A FEM Free Vibration Analysis of Variable Stiffness Composite Plates through Hierarchical Modeling
Authors: Giunta Gaetano , Iannotta Domenico Andrea , Montemurro Marco
Published: June 2023

Variable Angle Tow (VAT) laminates offer a promising alternative to classical straight-fiber composites in terms of design and performance. However, analyzing these structures can be more complex due to the introduction of new design variables. Carrera’s unified formulation (CUF) has been successful in previous works for buckling, vibrational, and stress analysis of VAT plates. Typically, one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) CUF models are used, with a linear law describing the fiber orientation variation in the main plane of the structure. The objective of this article is to expand the CUF 2D plate finite elements family to perform free vibration analysis of composite laminated plate structures with curvilinear fibers. The primary contribution is the application of Reissner’s mixed variational theorem (RMVT) to a CUF finite element model. The principle of virtual displacements (PVD) and RMVT are both used as variational statements for the study of monolayer and multilayer VAT plate dynamic behavior. The proposed approach is compared to Abaqus three-dimensional (3D) reference solutions, classical theories and literature results to investigate the effectiveness of the developed models. The results demonstrate that mixed theories provide the best approximation of the reference solution in all cases.
Experiment for Measuring Mechanical Properties of High-Strength Steel Sheets under Cyclic Loading by V-Shaped Double-Shear-Zone Specimens
Authors: Yan Geng , Lin Yanli , Wang Shuo , Xu Enqi , He Zhubin , Chen Kelin , Yuan Shijian
Published: June 2023

The simple shear test shows significant advantages when measuring the hardening and shear properties of thin sheet metal at large strains. However, previous shear tests had an end effect caused by local stress concentration and a boundary effect caused by deformation overflow, resulting in non-uniform strain distribution in the shear zone. Therefore, a unique V-shaped double-shear-zone specimen is proposed to measure the Bauschinger effect under cyclic shear loading conditions in this paper. Simple shear experiments and three different types of cycle shear experiments are conducted to analyze the uniformity of deformation in the shear zone and the effect of pre-strain and the number of cyclic loads on the Bauschinger effect of Q890 high-strength steel sheets. The results indicate that the proposed V-shaped double-shear-zone specimen can still maintain uniform shear deformation in forward/reverse cyclic loading experiments, even at large strains. Q890 high-strength steel exhibits a significant Bauschinger effect, which is more pronounced with the increase in shear pre-strain and loading cycles. The results of this paper provide a new approach for studying the hardening characteristics under large strain and the mechanical properties under cyclic shear loading for metal sheets.
Field-Oriented Predictive Control Structure for Synchronous Reluctance Motors
Authors: Costin Madalin , Lazar Corneliu
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a cascade predictive control structure based on field-oriented control (FOC) in the dq rotor reference frame for the synchronous reluctance machine (SynRM). The constant d-axis current control strategy was used, and thus, the electromagnetic torque was directly controlled by the q-axis current. Because the model of the two axes of currents from the inner loop is a coupled non-linear multivariable one, to control in a non-interaction and linear way the two currents, their decoupling was achieved through feedforward components. Following the decoupling, two independent monovariable linear systems resulted for the two current dynamics that were controlled using model predictive control (MPC) algorithms, considering their ability to automatically handle the state bounds. The most important bounds for SynRM are the limits imposed on currents and voltages, which in the dq plane correspond to a circular limit. To avoid computational effort, linear limitations were adopted through polygonal approximations, resulting in rectangular regions in the dq plane. For the outer loop that controls the angular speed with a constrained MPC algorithm, the q-axis current closed-loop dynamics and the torque linear equation were considered. To evaluate the performance of the proposed cascade predictive control structure, a simulation study using MPC controllers versus PI ones was conducted.
Dynamic Acceptance Sampling Strategy Based on Product Quality Performance Using Examples from IC Test Factory
Authors: Wang Chien-Chih , Chang Yu-Shan
Published: June 2023

Acceptance sampling plans are divided into attributes and variables, which are used to evaluate the mechanism for determining lot quality. Traditional attribute sampling plans usually choose the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) for each stage based on experience but need practical guidelines to follow. Previous research endeavors have predominantly centered around statistical perspectives and emphasized the reduction of sample size or sampling frequency while allocating lesser consideration to cost factors and practical applications when formulating sampling decisions. This study proposes a dynamic sampling strategy to minimize costs and estimate AQL values and sample sizes for each stage based on product quality performance to establish a more effective and flexible sampling strategy. The study verifies the scenario in an integrated circuit (IC) testing factory, considering multiple combinations of between-batch quality conditions, within-batch quality conditions, sampling method, and cost ratio, and conducts sampling inspection simulations. When quality changes, the dynamic strategy is activated to adjust AQL. Finally, based on the sampling errors and costs in the inspection results, a comparison is made with the traditional MIL-STD-105E sampling plan, confirming that the dynamic AQL sampling plan has significantly improved performance.