bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the Resazurin-Based Sensing of Cellular Viability: Widening the Application Horizon
Authors: Lavogina Darja , Lust Helen , Tahk Maris-Johanna , Laasfeld Tõnis , Vellama Hans , Nasirova Naila , Vardja Markus , Eskla Kattri-Liis , Salumets Andres , Rinken Ago , Jaal Jana
Published: March 2022

Since 1991, the NAD(P)H-aided conversion of resazurin to fluorescent resorufin has been widely used to measure viability based on the metabolic activity in mammalian cell culture and primary cells. However, different research groups have used divergent assay protocols, scarcely reporting the systematic optimization of the assay. Here, we perform extensive studies to fine-tune the experimental protocols utilizing resazurin-based viability sensing. Specifically, we focus on (A) optimization of the assay dynamic range in individual cell lines for the correct measurement of cytostatic and cytotoxic properties of the compounds; (B) dependence of the dynamic range on the physical quantity detected (fluorescence intensity versus change of absorbance spectrum); (C) calibration of the assay for the correct interpretation of data measured in hypoxic conditions; and (D) possibilities for combining the resazurin assay with other methods including measurement of necrosis and apoptosis. We also demonstrate the enhanced precision and flexibility of the resazurin-based assay regarding the readout format and kinetic measurement mode as compared to the widely used analogous assay which utilizes tetrazolium dye MTT. The discussed assay optimization guidelines provide useful instructions for the beginners in the field and for the experienced scientists exploring new ways for measurement of cellular viability using resazurin.
“The Heart Asks Pleasure First”—Conceptualizing Psychiatric Diseases as MAINTENANCE Network Dysfunctions through Insights from slMFB DBS in Depression and Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Coenen Volker A. , Schlaepfer Thomas E. , Sajonz Bastian E. A. , Reinacher Peter C. , Döbrössy Máté D. , Reisert Marco
Published: March 2022

More than a decade ago, deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the superolateral medial forebrain bundle (slMFB), as part of the greater MFB system, had been proposed as a putative yet experimental treatment strategy for therapy refractory depression (TRD) and later for obsessive–compulsive disorders (OCD). Antidepressant and anti-OCD efficacy have been shown in open case series and smaller trials and were independently replicated. The MFB is anato-physiologically confluent with the SEEKING system promoting euphoric drive, reward anticipation and reward; functions realized through the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic system. Growing clinical experience concerning surgical and stimulation aspects from a larger number of patients shows an MFB functionality beyond SEEKING and now re-informs the scientific rationale concerning the MFB’s (patho-) physiology. In this white paper, we combine observations from more than 75 cases of slMFB DBS. We integrate these observations with a selected literature review to provide a new neuroethological view on the MFB. We here formulate a re-interpretation of the MFB as the main structure of an integrated SEEKING/MAINTENANCE circuitry, allowing for individual homeostasis and well-being through emotional arousal, basic and higher affect valence, bodily reactions, motor programing, vigor and flexible behavior, as the basis for the antidepressant and anti-OCD efficacy.
The Association of Self-Reported ADHD Symptoms and Sleep in Daily Life of a General Population Sample of School Children: An Inter- and Intraindividual Perspective
Authors: Buhr Lilly , Moschko Tomasz , Eppinger Ruiz de Zarate Anne , Schwarz Ulrike , Kühnhausen Jan , Gawrilow Caterina
Published: March 2022

Sleep and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have repeatedly been found to be associated with each other. However, the ecological validity of daily life studies to examine the effect of sleep on ADHD symptoms is rarely made use of. In an ambulatory assessment study with measurement burst design, consisting of three bursts (each 6 months apart) of 18 days each, 70 German schoolchildren aged 10–12 years reported on their sleep quality each morning and on their subjective ADHD symptom levels as well as their sleepiness three times a day. It was hypothesized that nightly sleep quality is negatively associated with ADHD symptoms on the inter- as well as the intraindividual level. Thus, we expected children who sleep better to report higher attention and self-regulation. Additionally, sleepiness during the day was hypothesized to be positively associated with ADHD symptoms on both levels, meaning that when children are sleepier, they experience more ADHD symptoms. No association of sleep quality and ADHD symptoms between or within participants was found in multilevel analyses; also, no connection was found between ADHD symptoms and daytime sleepiness on the interindividual level. Unexpectedly, a negative association was found on the intraindividual level for ADHD symptoms and daytime sleepiness, indicating that in moments when children are sleepier during the day, they experience less ADHD symptoms. Explorative analyses showed differential links of nightly sleep quality and daytime sleepiness, with the core symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, respectively. Therefore, future analyses should take the factor structure of ADHD symptoms into account.
Identification of CT Imaging Phenotypes of Colorectal Liver Metastases from Radiomics Signatures—Towards Assessment of Interlesional Tumor Heterogeneity
Authors: Tharmaseelan Hishan , Hertel Alexander , Tollens Fabian , Rink Johann , Woźnicki Piotr , Haselmann Verena , Ayx Isabelle , Nörenberg Dominik , Schoenberg Stefan O. , Froelich Matthias F.
Published: March 2022

(1) Background: Tumoral heterogeneity (TH) is a major challenge in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and is associated with inferior response. Therefore, the identification of TH would be beneficial for treatment planning. TH can be assessed by identifying genetic alterations. In this work, a radiomics-based approach for assessment of TH in colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) in CT scans is demonstrated. (2) Methods: In this retrospective study, CRLM of mCRC were segmented and radiomics features extracted using pyradiomics. Unsupervised k-means clustering was applied to features and lesions. Feature redundancy was evaluated by principal component analysis and reduced by Pearson correlation coefficient cutoff. Feature selection was conducted by LASSO regression and visual analysis of the clusters by radiologists. (3) Results: A total of 47 patients’ (36% female, median age 64) CTs with 261 lesions were included. Five clusters were identified, and the categories small disseminated (n = 31), heterogeneous (n = 105), homogeneous (n = 64), mixed (n = 59), and very large type (n = 2) were assigned based on visual characteristics. Further statistical analysis showed correlation (p < 0.01) of clusters with sex, primary location, T- and N-status, and mutational status. Feature reduction and selection resulted in the identification of four features as a final set for cluster definition. (4) Conclusions: Radiomics features can characterize TH in liver metastases of mCRC in CT scans, and may be suitable for a better pretherapeutic classification of liver lesion phenotypes.
Using Quantitative Imaging for Personalized Medicine in Pancreatic Cancer: A Review of Radiomics and Deep Learning Applications
Authors: Preuss Kiersten , Thach Nate , Liang Xiaoying , Baine Michael , Chen Justin , Zhang Chi , Du Huijing , Yu Hongfeng , Lin Chi , Hollingsworth Michael A. , Zheng Dandan
Published: March 2022

As the most lethal major cancer, pancreatic cancer is a global healthcare challenge. Personalized medicine utilizing cutting-edge multi-omics data holds potential for major breakthroughs in tackling this critical problem. Radiomics and deep learning, two trendy quantitative imaging methods that take advantage of data science and modern medical imaging, have shown increasing promise in advancing the precision management of pancreatic cancer via diagnosing of precursor diseases, early detection, accurate diagnosis, and treatment personalization and optimization. Radiomics employs manually-crafted features, while deep learning applies computer-generated automatic features. These two methods aim to mine hidden information in medical images that is missed by conventional radiology and gain insights by systematically comparing the quantitative image information across different patients in order to characterize unique imaging phenotypes. Both methods have been studied and applied in various pancreatic cancer clinical applications. In this review, we begin with an introduction to the clinical problems and the technology. After providing technical overviews of the two methods, this review focuses on the current progress of clinical applications in precancerous lesion diagnosis, pancreatic cancer detection and diagnosis, prognosis prediction, treatment stratification, and radiogenomics. The limitations of current studies and methods are discussed, along with future directions. With better standardization and optimization of the workflow from image acquisition to analysis and with larger and especially prospective high-quality datasets, radiomics and deep learning methods could show real hope in the battle against pancreatic cancer through big data-based high-precision personalization.
Radiomics/Radiogenomics in Lung Cancer: Basic Principles and Initial Clinical Results
Authors: Anagnostopoulos Athanasios K. , Gaitanis Anastasios , Gkiozos Ioannis , Athanasiadis Emmanouil I. , Chatziioannou Sofia N. , Syrigos Konstantinos N. , Thanos Dimitris , Chatziioannou Achilles N. , Papanikolaou Nikolaos
Published: March 2022

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and elucidation of its complicated pathobiology has been traditionally targeted by studies incorporating genomic as well other high-throughput approaches. Recently, a collection of methods used for cancer imaging, supplemented by quantitative aspects leading towards imaging biomarker assessment termed “radiomics”, has introduced a novel dimension in cancer research. Integration of genomics and radiomics approaches, where identifying the biological basis of imaging phenotypes is feasible due to the establishment of associations between molecular features at the genomic–transcriptomic–proteomic level and radiological features, has recently emerged termed radiogenomics. This review article aims to briefly describe the main aspects of radiogenomics, while discussing its basic limitations related to lung cancer clinical applications for clinicians, researchers and patients.
Estimate of the Biological Dose in Hadrontherapy Using GATE
Authors: Ali Yasmine , Monini Caterina , Russeil Etienne , Létang Jean Michel , Testa Etienne , Maigne Lydia , Beuve Michael
Published: March 2022

For the evaluation of the biological effects, Monte Carlo toolkits were used to provide an RBE-weighted dose using databases of survival fraction coefficients predicted through biophysical models. Biophysics models, such as the mMKM and NanOx models, have previously been developed to estimate a biological dose. Using the mMKM model, we calculated the saturation corrected dose mean specific energy z1D* (Gy) and the dose at 10% D10 for human salivary gland (HSG) cells using Monte Carlo Track Structure codes LPCHEM and Geant4-DNA, and compared these with data from the literature for monoenergetic ions. These two models were used to create databases of survival fraction coefficients for several ion types (hydrogen, carbon, helium and oxygen) and for energies ranging from 0.1 to 400 MeV/n. We calculated α values as a function of LET with the mMKM and the NanOx models, and compared these with the literature. In order to estimate the biological dose for SOBPs, these databases were used with a Monte Carlo toolkit. We considered GATE, an open-source software based on the GEANT4 Monte Carlo toolkit. We implemented a tool, the BioDoseActor, in GATE, using the mMKM and NanOx databases of cell survival predictions as input, to estimate, at a voxel scale, biological outcomes when treating a patient. We modeled the HIBMC 320 MeV/u carbon-ion beam line. We then tested the BioDoseActor for the estimation of biological dose, the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) and the cell survival fraction for the irradiation of the HSG cell line. We then tested the implementation for the prediction of cell survival fraction, RBE and biological dose for the HIBMC 320 MeV/u carbon-ion beamline. For the cell survival fraction, we obtained satisfying results. Concerning the prediction of the biological dose, a 10% relative difference between mMKM and NanOx was reported.
A Comparison between Patient- and Physician-Reported Late Radiation Toxicity in Long-Term Prostate Cancer Survivors
Authors: Nuijens Anna C. , Oei Arlene L. , Bouhuijs Anne , Franken Nicolaas A. P. , Rasch Coen R. N. , Stalpers Lukas J. A.
Published: March 2022

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are advocated for the monitoring of toxicity after radiotherapy. However, studies comparing physician- and patient-reported toxicity show low concordance. In this study, we compared physician- and patient-reported toxicity in long-term prostate cancer survivors after radiotherapy, and we determined the correlation with a presumable risk factor for late toxicity: γ-H2AX foci decay ratio (FDR). Patients formerly included in a prospective study were invited to participate in this new study, comprising one questionnaire and one call with a trial physician assistant. Concordance was calculated for seven symptoms. Gamma-H2AX FDRs were determined in ex vivo irradiated lymphocytes in a previous analysis. Associations between FDR and long-term prevalence of toxicity were assessed using univariable logistic regression analyses. The 101 participants had a median follow-up period of 9 years. Outcomes were discordant in 71% of symptomatic patients; in 21%, the physician-assessed toxicity (using CTCAE) was higher, and, in 50%, the patients reported higher toxicity. We did not find a correlation between presence of toxicity at long-term follow-up and FDR. In conclusion, patients assigned greater severity to symptoms than the trial physician assistant did. Consideration of both perspectives may be warranted to provide the best care.
Management and Outcomes of Pancreatic Cancer in French Real-World Clinical Practice
Authors: Jooste Valérie , Bengrine-Lefevre Leila , Manfredi Sylvain , Quipourt Valérie , Grosclaude Pascale , Facy Olivier , Lepage Côme , Ghiringhelli François , Bouvier Anne-Marie
Published: March 2022

Background: Our objective was to describe real-world patterns of care and outcomes in pancreatic cancer. Methods: 912 patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer from 2014 to 2017 were registered by the population-based cancer registry of Burgundy (France). Progression-free and net survival were estimated. Results: at diagnosis, 52% of tumors were associated with metastases. Among the 20% of patients fulfilling resectability criteria, half of those aged 75–84 years and none of those ≥85 years actually underwent resection. Age was not associated with 3-year observed survival in patients who underwent resection. Overall, 77% of patients aged <75 years, 55% of those aged 75–84 years and 8% of those ≥85 years received chemotherapy. Among patients who were offered chemotherapy, 73% of those aged ≥85 years refused. Chemotherapy toxicity was higher with Gemcitabine_Oxaliplatin/Gemcitabine_Abraxane and FOLFIRINOX than with Gemcitabine alone. Patients resected after induction FOLFIRINOX and those treated with adjuvant Gemcitabine presented the lowest risk of progression. Three-year net survival was 35% in patients with non-metastatic resectable tumors and under 10% for other patients. Conclusions: Only half of patients aged 75–84 years with a resectable tumor actually underwent resection. Two thirds of patients aged ≥85 years refused chemotherapy, thus underlining the need to expand geriatric assessments.
Impact of Positive Radial Margin on Recurrence and Survival in Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: D’Amico Francesco Enrico , Mescoli Claudia , Caregari Silvia , Pasquale Alessio , Billato Ilaria , Alessandris Remo , Lanari Jacopo , Bassi Domenico , Boetto Riccardo , D’Amico Francesco , Vitale Alessandro , Lonardi Sara , Gringeri Enrico , Cillo Umberto
Published: March 2022

In resected perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC), positive ductal margin (DM) is associated with poor survival. There is currently little knowledge about the impact of positive radial margin (RM) when DM is negative. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and the role of positive RM. Patients who underwent surgery between 2005 and 2017 where retrospectively reviewed and stratified according to margin positivity: an isolated RM-positive group and DM ± RM group. Of the 75 patients identified; 34 (45.3%) had R1 resection and 17 had positive RM alone. Survival was poorer in patients with R1 resection compared to R0 (p = 0.019). After stratification according to margin positivity; R0 patients showed better survival than DM ± RM-positive patients (p = 0.004; MST 43.9 vs. 23.6 months), but comparable to RM-positive patients (p = 0.361; MST 43.9 vs. 39.5 months). Recurrence was higher in DM ± RM group compared to R0 (p = 0.0017; median disease-free survival (DFS) 15 vs. 30 months); but comparable between RM and R0 group (p = 0.39; DFS 20 vs. 30 months). In univariate and multivariate analysis, DM positivity resulted as a negative prognostic factor both for survival and recurrence. In conclusion, positive RM resections appear to have different recurrence patterns and survival rates than positive DM resections.
Esterification of Levulinic Acid to Methyl Levulinate over Zr-MOFs Catalysts
Authors: Bravo Fuchineco Daiana A. , Heredia Angélica C. , Mendoza Sandra M. , Rodríguez-Castellón Enrique , Crivello Mónica E.
Published: March 2022

At present, the trend towards partial replacement of petroleum-derived fuels by those from the revaluation of biomass has become of great importance. An effective strategy for processing complex biomass feedstocks involves prior conversion to simpler compounds (platform molecules) that are more easily transformed in subsequent reactions. This study analyzes the metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) that contain Zr metal clusters formed by ligands of terephthalic acid (UiO-66) and aminoterephthalic acid (UiO-66-NH2), as active and stable catalysts for the esterification of levulinic acid with methanol. An alternative synthesis is presented by means of ultrasonic stirring at room temperature and 60 °C, in order to improve the structural properties of the catalysts. They were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, acidity measurement, and N2 adsorption. The catalytic reaction was carried out in a batch system and under pressure in an autoclave. Its progress was followed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Parameters such as temperature, catalyst mass, and molar ratio of reactants were optimized to improve the catalytic performance. The MOF that presented the highest activity and selectivity to the desired product was obtained by synthesis with ultrasound and 60 °C with aminoterephthalic acid. The methyl levulinate yield was 67.77% in batch at 5 h and 85.89% in an autoclave at 1 h. An analysis of the kinetic parameters of the reaction is presented. The spent material can be activated by ethanol washing allowing the catalytic activity to be maintained in the recycles.
Recent Advances in Influenza, HIV and SARS-CoV-2 Infection Prevention and Drug Treatment—The Need for Precision Medicine
Authors: Kálai Tamás , Pongrácz Judit Erzsébet , Mátyus Péter
Published: March 2022

Viruses, and in particular, RNA viruses, dominate the WHO’s current list of ten global health threats. Of these, we review the widespread and most common HIV, influenza virus, and SARS-CoV-2 infections, as well as their possible prevention by vaccination and treatments by pharmacotherapeutic approaches. Beyond the vaccination, we discuss the virus-targeting and host-targeting drugs approved in the last five years, in the case of SARS-CoV-2 in the last one year, as well as new drug candidates and lead molecules that have been published in the same periods. We share our views on vaccination and pharmacotherapy, their mutually reinforcing strategic significance in combating pandemics, and the pros and cons of host and virus-targeted drug therapy. The COVID-19 pandemic has provided evidence of our limited armamentarium to fight emerging viral diseases. Novel broad-spectrum vaccines as well as drugs that could even be applied as prophylactic treatments or in early phases of the viremia, possibly through oral administration, are needed in all three areas. To meet these needs, the use of multi-data-based precision medicine in the practice and innovation of vaccination and drug therapy is inevitable.
Next-Generation Sequencing of Connective Tissue Genes in Patients with Classical Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Authors: Junkiert-Czarnecka Anna , Pilarska-Deltow Maria , Bąk Aneta , Heise Marta , Latos-Bieleńska Anna , Zaremba Jacek , Bartoszewska-Kubiak Alicja , Haus Olga
Published: March 2022

Background: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a common non-inflammatory, congenital connective tissue disorder. Classical type (cEDS) EDS is one of the more common forms, typically caused by mutations in the COL5A1 and COL5A2 genes, though causative mutations in the COL1A1 gene have also been described. Material and methods: The study group included 59 patients of Polish origin, diagnosed with cEDS. The analysis was performed on genomic DNA (gDNA) with NGS technology, using an Illumina sequencer. Thirty-five genes related to connective tissue were investigated. The pathogenicity of the detected variants was assessed by VarSome. Results: The NGS of 35 genes revealed variants within the COL5A1, COL5A2, COL1A1, and COL1A2 genes for 30 of the 59 patients investigated. Our panel detected no sequence variations for the remaining 29 patients. Discussion: Next-generation sequencing, with an appropriate multigene panel, showed great potential to assist in the diagnosis of EDS and other connective tissue disorders. Our data also show that not all causative genes giving rise to cEDS have been elucidated yet.
Understanding the Anomalous Corrosion Behaviour of 17% Chromium Martensitic Stainless Steel in Laboratory CCS-Environment—A Descriptive Approach
Authors: Pfennig Anja , Kranzmann Axel
Published: March 2022

To mitigate carbon dioxide emissions CO2 is compressed and sequestrated into deep geological layers (Carbon Capture and Storage CCS). The corrosion of injection pipe steels is induced when the metal is in contact with CO2 and at the same time the geological saline formation water. Stainless steels X35CrMo17 and X5CrNiCuNb16-4 with approximately 17% Cr show potential as injection pipes to engineer the Northern German Basin geological onshore CCS-site. Static laboratory experiments (T = 60 °C, p = 100 bar, 700–8000 h exposure time, aquifer water, CO2-flow rate of 9 L/h) were conducted to evaluate corrosion kinetics. The anomalous surface corrosion phenomena were found to be independent of heat treatment prior to exposure. The corrosion process is described as a function of the atmosphere and diffusion process of ionic species to explain the precipitation mechanism and better estimate the reliability of these particular steels in a downhole CCS environment.
Direct Effects of Light on Sleep under Ultradian Light-Dark Cycles Depend on Circadian Time and Pulses Duration
Authors: Fuchs Fanny , Robin-Choteau Ludivine , Hugueny Laurence , Ciocca Dominique , Bourgin Patrice
Published: March 2022

Ultradian light–dark cycles in rodents are a precious tool to study the direct effects of repeated light exposures on sleep, in order to better understand the underlying mechanisms. This study aims to precisely evaluate the effects of light and dark exposures, according to circadian time, on sleep and waking distribution and quality, and to determine if these effects depend on the duration of light and dark pulses. To do this, mice were exposed to 24 h-long ultradian light–dark cycles with different durations of pulses: T2 cycle (1 h of light/1 h of dark) and T7 cycle (3.5 h of light/3.5 h of dark). Exposure to light not only promotes NREM and REM sleep and inhibits wake, but also drastically alters alertness and modifies sleep depth. These effects are modulated by circadian time, appearing especially during early subjective night, and their kinetics is highly dependent on the duration of pulses, suggesting that in the case of pulses of longer duration, the homeostatic process could overtake light direct influence for shaping sleep and waking distribution.
Sensory and Nutraceutical Properties of Infusions Prepared with Grape Pomace and Edible-Coated Dried–Minced Grapes
Authors: Vilela Alice , Cruz Irene , Oliveira Ivo , Pinto Ana , Pinto Teresa
Published: March 2022

Grapes and grape/wine byproducts such as non-fermented/semi-fermented or fermented grapes, skins, and seeds are a rich source of polyphenols, known to have nutraceutical properties. Grape byproducts present a great potential for the development of new beverages, such as infusions and tisanes. This work aimed to study the effects of different drying temperatures on the sensory and chemical properties of fermented grape pomace infusions, and to evaluate the same sensory and chemical characteristics on infusions of dried–minced grapes coated with different organic matrices. At the end of the work, it was possible to conclude that the presence of some coating agents results in changes in the sensory characteristics of the infusions, also altering the recorded antioxidant activity. However, all matrices seemed suitable for coating, and none showed negative characteristics in the infusions. Furthermore, of the three infusions (50, 60, and 70 °C), the one prepared with dehydrated grape pomace at 70 °C was the one with the highest pH value, highest °Brix value, and significantly greater concentration of phenolic compounds. In the sensory analysis, the constant presence of a bitter taste and astringent sensation stood out, which are not positive aspects from a sensory point of view. However, the addition of natural flavors—especially honey—made the infusion more sensorially pleasant. Overall, grape pomace dehydrated at 70 °C made it possible to obtain a product with phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity that is more promising to integrate into human food, particularly via the preparation of infusions. Furthermore, the consumer may, if they so choose, add honey or another agent as a natural flavoring, making the final infusion more pleasant from a sensory point of view.
Optoelectronic Properties of Hexagonal Boron Nitride Shielded Molybdenum Diselenide/Black-Phosphorus Based Heterojunction Field Effect Transistor
Authors: Abderrahmane Abdelkader , Woo Changlim , Ko Pil-Ju
Published: March 2022

Herein, we report the fabrication of a novel heterojunction field-effect transistor (HJFET) based on two-dimensional graphene (Gr), molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2), and black phosphorus (BP) that is shielded using hexagonal boron nitride to prevent device degradation. We perform electrical and optoelectronic characterizations of Gr/n-MoSe2 and Gr/n-MoSe2/p-BP heterojunctions. Heterojunction n-MoSe2/p-BP exhibits a potential barrier at the interface, which allows the use of BP as a top-gate contact to adjust the electrical and optoelectronic performances of the Gr/n-MoSe2 heterojunction. In the absence of a gate voltage, the Gr/n-MoSe2 and Gr/n-MoSe2/p-BP heterojunctions indicate photoresponsivity (Rλ) and specific detectivity (D*) of 1.77 AW−1 and 1.4 × 1010 cmHz1/2W−1, and 0.8 AW−1 and 0.3 × 1010 cmHz1/2W−1, respectively. The Gr/n-MoSe2 junction field-effect transistor with p-BP as gate contact demonstrates the best optoelectronic performance with high stability in terms of photoresponsivity Rλmax = 3.37 AW−1 and specific detectivity D*max = 3.16 × 1010 cmHz1/2W−1, rendering it extremely promising for photodetection applications.
The Effect of Complex Emulsifier on the Structure of Tung Oil and Phenolic Amides Containing Microcapsules and Its Anti-Fouling and Anti-Corrosion Performances
Authors: Ma Yingxiang , Jiang Dan , Yang Yuping , Ma Li , Zhou Jian , Huang Guosheng
Published: March 2022

In this study, the urea-formaldehyde (UF)-tung oil solution of phenolic amide (PA) microcapsules to realize anti-fouling and anti-corrosion integration was synthesized by the in situ polymerization method. The compounds and structures were optimized by investigating six kinds of different emulsifiers. The results showed that high-core-content and narrow-particle-size-distribution microcapsules could be synthesized with sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and the core content of the microcapsules was 75 wt% at microcapsule sizes from 24.07 to 71.33 µm. The results of self-healing coatings showed that when the content of microcapsules in the coating exceeded 10 wt%, the healing agent released from the scratched surface could cover the naked metal effectively, which could pass a 7 day neutral salt spray test without rust at the scratched area. A sufficient dose anti-fouling agent can be provided to prevent diatoms and mussels from adhering. The present work shows that the complex emulsifier can better control the particle size distribution and microstructure of the microcapsules, and the admixture of the microcapsules into the resin epoxy coating can realize excellent anti-corrosion and anti-fouling functions.
A Population-Level Analysis of Changes in Circadian Rhythms and Sleep and Their Association with Negative Emotions during the Outbreak of COVID-19 in China
Authors: Chen Siyu , Huang Tianyu , Huang Yutao , Nie Cenxing , Liang Jingwen , Ma Huan , Liu Xinyan , Xu Yanwen , Guo Jinhu
Published: March 2022

Since 2019, COVID-19 began spreading globally and has significantly affected peoples’ daily lifestyles. The public was asked to stay at home for constant quarantine and community containment starting on 23 January 2020. To assess the circadian rhythms and sleep changes and their influential factors during the COVID-19 outbreak, a questionnaire was administered to 451 Chinese participants during 20–31 January 2020. The changes in circadian rhythm, sleep–wake cycle, dining, and exercise of the participants and their correlation with negative emotions were analyzed. Furthermore, the effects of three factors (holiday, quarantine, and concerns regarding the pandemic situation) on these changes were assessed. We found that 34.6% of the participants reported circadian rhythm disturbance. Moreover, 67.2% presented negative emotions (worry, fear, downheartedness, anxiety, depression, and stupefaction) regarding the pandemic situation, among which worry was the most prevalent. Gender and age were significant factors for changes in the circadian phases and emotions. There was a correlation between circadian rhythm alterations and negative emotions. In addition, holiday, quarantine, and concerns regarding the pandemic situation had significant effects on circadian rhythms and sleep in a substantial part of the population. Regression analysis demonstrated reciprocal influences between many of these variables. Our findings suggest that circadian rhythms, sleep, and negative emotions in the normal population need to be considered during the pandemic period and that the adjustment of circadian rhythms could help promote sleep, restore emotions and improve public health.
Drone Surveys Are More Accurate Than Boat-Based Surveys of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
Authors: Fettermann Ticiana , Fiori Lorenzo , Gillman Len , Stockin Karen , Bollard Barbara
Published: March 2022

Generating accurate estimates of group sizes or behaviours of cetaceans from boat-based surveys can be challenging because much of their activity occurs below the water surface and observations are distorted by horizontal perspectives. Automated observation using drones is an emerging research tool for animal behavioural investigations. However, drone-based and boat-based survey methods have not been quantitatively compared for small, highly mobile cetaceans, such as Delphinidae. Here, we conduct paired concurrent boat-based and drone-based surveys, measuring the number of individuals in 21 groups and the behaviour within 13 groups of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). We additionally assessed the ability to detect behaviour events by the drone that would not be detectable from the boat. Drone-derived abundance counts detected 26.4% more individuals per group on average than boat-based counts (p = 0.003). Drone-based behaviour observations detected travelling 55.2% more frequently and association in subgroups 80.4% more frequently than boat-based observations (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). Whereas foraging was recorded 58.3% and resting 15.1% less frequently by the drone than by boat-based surveys, respectively (p = 0.014 and 0.024). A considerable number of underwater behaviours ranging from individual play activities to intra- and inter-species interactions (including those with humans) were observed from the drone that could not be detected from the boat. Our findings demonstrate that drone surveys can improve the accuracy of population counts and behavioural data for small cetaceans and the magnitude of the discrepancies between the two methods highlights the need for cautious interpretation of studies that have relied on boat-derived data.
Learning Forecast-Efficient Yield Curve Factor Decompositions with Neural Networks
Authors: Kauffmann Piero C. , Takada Hellinton H. , Terada Ana T. , Stern Julio M.
Published: March 2022

Most factor-based forecasting models for the term structure of interest rates depend on a fixed number of factor loading functions that have to be specified in advance. In this study, we relax this assumption by building a yield curve forecasting model that learns new factor decompositions directly from data for an arbitrary number of factors, combining a Gaussian linear state-space model with a neural network that generates smooth yield curve factor loadings. In order to control the model complexity, we define prior distributions with a shrinkage effect over the model parameters, and we present how to obtain computationally efficient maximum a posteriori numerical estimates using the Kalman filter and automatic differentiation. An evaluation of the model’s performance on 14 years of historical data of the Brazilian yield curve shows that the proposed technique was able to obtain better overall out-of-sample forecasts than traditional approaches, such as the dynamic Nelson and Siegel model and its extensions.
Strategic Management Accounting in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Emerging Countries and Markets: A Case Study from China
Authors: Ma Lindong , Chen Xihui , Zhou Jiawen , Aldieri Luigi
Published: March 2022

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play an increasingly important role in global economic development, and they have encountered many unique problems (such as resources and strategic choice). Strategic management accounting (SMA) techniques can help SMEs allocate limited resources rationally and integrate internal and external information to help managers make strategic decisions. However, how and what is the SMA applied in the reality of SMEs, especially in developing countries today. This paper aims to explore the extent to which SMEs of developing countries use SMA. This article used the qualitative research method and the data were collected by interviewing five managers and two employees in M company. The findings indicated that: (1) The senior managers of SMEs do not have an understanding of accounting nor pay enough attention to it, and the role of SMA is even worse; (2) Although the chief financial officers obtain the knowledge of SMA, they cannot fully involve it in their strategic decision making. (3) SMEs have realized that enterprise culture is very important for a company to achieve strategic goals, but it is far from enough to attach importance to and create it. (4) The general managers of SMEs believe that the operating department is the core of the company and all resources should be prioritized to meet their needs.
FDI and Institutions in BRIC and CIVETS Countries: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Kechagia Polyxeni , Metaxas Theodore
Published: March 2022

In recent years, a number of countries with emerging economies have proceeded to use market-oriented strategies, deregulation and reforms in order to attract more foreign investors and attract foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows. The present paper aims to empirically investigate the role of governance in attracting FDI using panel data and comparing two groups of fast-growing emerging countries, namely BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) and CIVETS (Colombia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt, Turkey and South Africa). The study includes a panel data analysis using the latest available secondary data ranging from 2002 to 2019. Empirical models are extended and presented. The findings suggest that FDI inflows in BRICS are attracted by rule of law, regulatory quality, political stability and absence of violence, while CIVETS absorb FDI inflows due to control of corruption, political stability, absence of violence, regulatory quality and government effectiveness. The paper contributes to the existing literature since it is the first attempt to investigate the role of governance in attracting FDI in BRIC and CIVETS economies, taking into consideration other FDI determinants. To our knowledge, it is the first paper to study and compare FDI and institutional determinants in the specific groups of emerging countries.
Teaching for Positive and Transformational Creativity through Service Learning
Authors: Desmet Ophélie Allyssa , Roberts Anne Marie
Published: March 2022

Positive creativity involves creative ideas and products that are beneficial to humanity. This paper discusses the importance of fostering positive and transformational creativity in PK-12 and college settings, and concrete classroom strategies for nurturing positive creativity through a service learning pedagogy. A brief history of service learning pedagogy is discussed, along with a practical application of the K-12 Developmental Service Learning Typology, a theoretical service learning pedagogical model. This practical application highlights three examples of how service learning can foster positive and transformational creativity: experiential learning through community service or volunteering, problem-based learning through community exploration, and using Destination Imagination as a form of social or community activism. The latter two examples demonstrate using curiosity to create positive, novel, and useful products through a cycle of deep exploration of topics that each student has an intense interest in, called the Roberts Curiosity Community Exploration Cycle (R-CCEC).
Teaching Staff and Student Perceptions of Staff Support for Student Mental Health: A University Case Study
Authors: Payne Helen
Published: March 2022

Background: There are significant concerns for student mental health in higher education. New factors affect student mental health, and campus counselling services are overwhelmed. Struggling students turn to ideally placed familiar teaching staff for support. This qualitative study, conducted in an East of England university, aimed to explore student and staff perceptions of support offered by teaching staff to students grappling with their mental health. It is unique, combining both staff and student perceptions, many of which overlapped. Methods: A thematic analysis was conducted of in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a small number of self-selecting staff/students. Findings (results): Staff felt inadequate in several aspects, and students agreed to give useful suggestions for their preferred support. Conclusions: It was cautiously established that staff training in mental health literacy (knowledge, skills, attributes, and understanding) was required. Specific training was recommended in pastoral care for personal tutors and for staff pedagogy on health professional programmes. Finally, teaching staff needed support when supporting students with poor mental health. Such training and support can be integrated into a preventative, university-wide, holistic policy for student mental health commensurate with the University Mental Health Charter. Embedding such supportive practice into the curriculum is preferable to add-on services and/or interventions.
Programs of Access to Pedagogy: Diagnostic of Its Design in Chilean Private Universities
Authors: Núñez-Valdés Karen , Villena Olivares Neliot , Villegas Dianta Cristian , López Núñez Marisol , Castillo-Paredes Antonio
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study is to describe and analyze comparatively the Programs of Access to Pedagogies (PAP) of Chilean private universities, in order to know how this policy has been developed in this type of institution. After an exhaustive and meticulous treatment of the information contained in the 11 private university programs in Chile, categories were created for later analysis, based on the criteria contained in the programs. The results were analyzed based on pre-established analytical criteria, within which three to seven categories were found that allow the description and analysis of the PAPs. Among these, categories related to “Development of skills”, “Pedagogical vocation”, “Promotion of equity”, “Academic performance”, “Transversal skills” and “Academic support” stand out, being found in eight programs of the 11 analyzed. Although the Programs of Access to Pedagogy careers, established objectives, eligibility criteria, permanence criteria, camping, among others, follow the law, these programs have limitations, due to their heterogeneous construction, which translates into the interpretation of the laws, for which a series of challenges emerge, all of them associated with the search for strategies to strengthen the attraction and training of future good teachers.
Context Aware Recommender Systems: A Novel Approach Based on Matrix Factorization and Contextual Bias
Authors: Casillo Mario , Gupta Brij B. , Lombardi Marco , Lorusso Angelo , Santaniello Domenico , Valentino Carmine
Published: March 2022

In the world of Big Data, a tool capable of filtering data and providing choice support is crucial. Recommender Systems have this aim. These have evolved further through the use of information that would improve the ability to suggest. Among the possible exploited information, the context is widely used in literature and leads to the definition of the Context-Aware Recommender System. This paper proposes a Context-Aware Recommender System based on the concept of embedded context. This technique has been tested on different datasets to evaluate its accuracy. In particular, the use of multiple datasets allows a deep analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed approach. The numerical results obtained are promising.
IoT as a Backbone of Intelligent Homestead Automation
Authors: Dobrojevic Milos , Bacanin Nebojsa
Published: March 2022

The concepts of smart agriculture, with the aim of highly automated industrial mass production leaning towards self-farming, can be scaled down to the level of small farms and homesteads, with the use of more affordable electronic components and open-source software. The backbone of smart agriculture, in both cases, is the Internet of Things (IoT). Single-board computers (SBCs) such as a Raspberry Pi, working under Linux or Windows IoT operating systems, make affordable platform for smart devices with modular architecture, suitable for automation of various tasks by using machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision (CV). Similarly, the Arduino microcontroller enables the building of nodes in the IoT network, capable of reading various physical values, wirelessly sending them to other computers for processing and furthermore, controlling electronic elements and machines in the physical world based on the received data. This review gives a limited overview of currently available technologies for smart automation of industrial agricultural production and of alternative, smaller-scale projects applicable in homesteads, based on Arduino and Raspberry Pi hardware, as well as a draft proposal of an integrated homestead automation system based on the IoT.
Multi-Camera Vehicle Tracking Based on Deep Tracklet Similarity Network
Authors: Li Yun-Lun , Li Hao-Ting , Chiang Chen-Kuo
Published: March 2022

Multi-camera vehicle tracking at the city scale has received lots of attention in the last few years. It has large-scale differences, frequent occlusion, and appearance differences caused by the viewing angle differences, which is quite challenging. In this research, we propose the Tracklet Similarity Network (TSN) for a multi-target multi-camera (MTMC) vehicle tracking system based on the evaluation of the similarity between vehicle tracklets. In addition, a novel component, Candidates Intersection Ratio (CIR), is proposed to refine the similarity. It provides an associate scheme to build the multi-camera tracking results as a tree structure. Based on these components, an end-to-end vehicle tracking system is proposed. The experimental results demonstrate that an 11% improvement on the evaluation score is obtained compared to the conventional similarity baseline.
Crowdsourcing Based Performance Analysis of Mobile User Heterogeneous Services
Authors: Amour Lamine , Dandoush Abdulhalim
Published: March 2022

In mobile networks, crowdsourcing in Quality of Experience (QoE) assessment phase involves collecting data from the user terminals or dedicated collection devices. A mobile operator or a research group may provide applications that can be run in different mobility test modes such as walk or drive tests. Crowdsourcing using users’ terminals (e.g., a smartphone) is a cheap approach for operators or researchers for addressing large scale area and may help to improve the allocated resources of a given service and/or the network provisioning in some segments. In this work, we first collect a dataset for three popular Internet services: on-demand video streaming, web browsing and file downloading at the user terminal level. We consider two user terminals from two different vendors and many mobility test modes. The dataset contains more than 220,000 measures from one of the major French mobile operators in the Île-de-France region. The measurements are effectuated for six months in 2021. Then, we implement different models from the literature for estimating the QoE in terms of user’s Mean Opinion Score (MOS) for every service using features at radio or application levels. After that, we provide an in-depth analysis of the collected dataset for detecting the root cause of poor performance. We show that the radio provisioning issues is not the only cause of detected anomalies. Finally, we discuss the prediction quality of HD video streaming service (i.e., launch time, the bitrate and the MOS) based only on the physical indicators. Our analysis is applied on both plain-text and encrypted traffic within different mobility modes.