bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunotherapy in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients with Driver Alterations: A New Strategy?
Authors: Krzyżanowska Natalia , Krawczyk Paweł , Wojas-Krawczyk Kamila , Kucharczyk Tomasz , Milanowski Janusz
Published: October 2022

For many years, researchers have been trying to develop the most effective ways to fight lung cancer, which is the cause of the largest number of cancer-related deaths among men and women worldwide. The most advanced treatments for nearly all non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) types include immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), mainly anti-programmed death 1/anti-programmed death ligand 1 monoclonal antibodies (anti-PD-1/PD-L1 mAbs) in monotherapy or in combination with other strategies. Despite significant advances, long survival is not achievable in most cases, so new solutions are constantly being sought. One of the questions raised by oncologists is the efficacy of ICIs in patients with molecular driver alterations, especially when the possibilities of using molecularly targeted therapies are exhausted (e.g., due to resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors). There are studies investigating this problem, but it is still poorly described. Among probable immunotherapy’ failures reasons, low immunogenicity of tumors with one driver mutation is listed. Nevertheless, in some cases, the therapy is efficient, and more research is required to establish the management of NSCLC patients with oncogenic driver abnormalities. The aim of this article is to review current discoveries in this matter.
Expression Quantitative Trait Locus Study of Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip with or without Cleft Palate GWAS Variants in Lip Tissues
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Tian Yu , Qiu Ling , Lou Shu , Zhu Guirong , Gao Yue , Ma Lan , Pan Yongchu
Published: October 2022

Non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) is a complex disease with a strong genetic component. More than 40 loci have been identified to be associated with the risk of NSCL/P by genome-wide association studies (GWASs), but the majority of these variants are mapped to non-coding regions of the genome. Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) studies have increasingly been integrated with GWASs to identify target genes for these non-coding variants. In this study, we generated a unique, lip-specific eQTL dataset from 40 NSCL/P patients. A total of 5158 eQTL SNPs (eSNPs) -689 eQTL genes were identified after multiple corrections. Then, we integrated nominal eQTL SNPs with NSCL/P risk SNPs and identified 243 variants associated with the expression of 18 genes in lip tissues. Functional annotation analysis indicated that these risk eSNPs were significantly enriched in transcription regulation and chromatin open regions on the genome. These susceptible genes were enriched in cell fate determination, the pluripotency of stem cells, and Wnt signaling pathways. Finally, 8 of the 18 susceptible genes were differentially expressed in NSCL/P case-control studies. In summary, we have generated a unique lip-specific eQTL resource and identified multiple associations for NSCL/P risk loci, which should inform functional studies of NSCL/P biology.
RNA Sequencing of Intestinal Enterocytes Pre- and Post-Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Reveals Alteration in Gene Expression Related to Enterocyte Differentiation, Restitution, and Obesity with Regulation by Schlafen 12
Authors: Vomhof-DeKrey Emilie E. , Singhal Sonalika , Singhal Sandeep K. , Stover Allie D. , Rajpathy Odele , Preszler Elizabeth , Garcia Luis , Basson Marc D.
Published: October 2022

Background: The intestinal lining renews itself in a programmed fashion that can be affected by adaptation to surgical procedures such as gastric bypass. Methods: To assess adaptive mechanisms in the human intestine after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), we biopsied proximal jejunum at the anastomotic site during surgery to establish a baseline and endoscopically re-biopsied the same area 6–9 months after bypass for comparison. Laser microdissection was performed on pre- and post-RYGB biopsies to isolate enterocytes for RNA sequencing. Results: RNA sequencing suggested significant decreases in gene expression associated with G2/M DNA damage checkpoint regulation of the cell cycle pathway, and significant increases in gene expression associated with the CDP-diacylglycerol biosynthesis pathway TCA cycle II pathway, and pyrimidine ribonucleotide salvage pathway after RYGB. Since Schlafen 12 (SLFN12) is reported to influence enterocytic differentiation, we stained mucosa for SLFN12 and observed increased SLFN12 immunoreactivity. We investigated SLFN12 overexpression in HIEC-6 and FHs 74 Int intestinal epithelial cells and observed similar increased expression of the following genes that were also increased after RYGB: HES2, CARD9, SLC19A2, FBXW7, STXBP4, SPARCL1, and UTS. Conclusions: Our data suggest that RYGB promotes SLFN12 protein expression, cellular mechanism and replication pathways, and genes associated with differentiation and restitution (HES2, CARD9, SLC19A2), as well as obesity-related genes (FBXW7, STXBP4, SPARCL1, UTS).
The Highly Efficient Expression System of Recombinant Human Prolidase and the Effect of N-Terminal His-Tag on the Enzyme Activity
Authors: Czyrko-Horczak Justyna , Nizioł Magdalena , Forlino Antonella , Besio Roberta , Miltyk Wojciech
Published: October 2022

Prolidase is an enzyme hydrolyzing dipeptides containing proline or hydroxyprolineat the C-terminus and plays an important role in collagen turnover. Human prolidase is active as a dimer with the C-terminal domain containing two Mn2+ ions in its active site. The study aimed to develop a highly efficient expression system of recombinant human prolidase (rhPEPD) and to evaluate the effect of the N-terminal His-Tag on its enzymatic and biological activity. An optimized bacterial expression system and an optimized purification procedure for rhPEPD included the two-step rhPEPD purification procedure based on (i) affinity chromatography on an Ni2+ ion-bound chromatography column and (ii) gel filtration with the possibility of tag removal by selective digestion with protease Xa. As the study showed, a high concentration of IPTGand high temperature of induction led to a fast stimulation of gene expression, which as a result forced the host into an intensive and fast production of rhPEPD. The results demonstrated that a slow induction of gene expression (low concentration of inducing factor, temperature, and longer induction time) led to efficient protein production in the soluble fraction. Moreover, the study proved that the presence of His-Tag changed neither the expression pattern of EGFR-downstream signaling proteins nor the prolidase catalytic activity.
Reduction of Dewaxing and Sintering Time by Controlling the Particle Size of YSZ Particles for Stereolithography
Authors: Takahashi Masaya , Spirrett Fiona , Kirihara Soshu
Published: October 2022

In ceramic stereolithography, composite “green” bodies must be thermally processed to de-bind organic content and sinter the material. The conventional process for dewaxing and sintering of yttria stabilized zirconia stereolithography components is typically very long. The time and energy cost of thermal treatment of these components can be reduced by controlling the size of the solid particles in the photosensitive material. The Discrete Element Method was used to model the number of particle contacts per mass using particles of various median diameter, and a three-dimensional curved surface graph was generated. Ceramic slurries were prepared using powders that fulfilled the conditions of various calculated data points from the DEM model analysis. The prepared slurries were processed by stereolithography additive manufacturing and fabricated precursors were thermally processed to dewax and sinter the parts. The relationship between the particle size and the occurrence of crack formation after heat treatment was investigated. Heat treatment parameters were further investigated using the predicted slurry composition that was optimal for crack prevention. The required time for dewaxing and sintering of yttria stabilized zirconia components was reduced to one tenth of the conventional time through optimization of slurry composition and thermal treatment schedule.
Is Pediatric Intensive Care Trauma-Informed? A Review of Principles and Evidence
Authors: Demers Lauren A. , Wright Naomi M. , Kopstick Avi J. , Niehaus Claire E. , Hall Trevor A. , Williams Cydni N. , Riley Andrew R.
Published: October 2022

Pediatric critical illness and injury, along with the experience of recovering from critical illness are among the most potentially traumatic experiences for children and their families. Additionally, children often come to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with pre-existing trauma that may sensitize them to PICU-related distress. Trauma-informed care (TIC) in the PICU, while under-examined, has the potential to enhance quality of care, mitigate trauma-related symptoms, encourage positive coping, and provide anticipatory guidance for the recovery process. This narrative review paper first describes the need for TIC in the PICU and then introduces the principles of TIC as outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics: awareness, readiness, detection and assessment, management, and integration. Current clinical practices within PICU settings are reviewed according to each TIC principle. Discussion about opportunities for further development of TIC programs to improve patient care and advance knowledge is also included.
Seaside Renewable Energy Resources Literature Review
Authors: Girgibo Nebiyu Wolde
Published: October 2022

This review paper describes seaside renewable energy resources. The motivation and need behind this work are to give background literature on the use of climate change effects as a resource support for shallow geothermal-energy (seaside energy solutions) production. This leads to combating and mitigating climate change by using its effect to our advantage. As a part of my literature review as a report series, this report gives some background about seaside energy solutions relating to water quality and climate change. This review paper addresses all aspects of renewable energy. The methodology implemented in this review paper and other series was a systematic literature review process. After searching and collecting articles from three databases, they were evaluated by title, abstract and whole article then synthesized into the literature review. The key conclusion is that seaside renewable energy is mainly shallow geothermal-energy and most of the methods use climate change effects to their advantage such as sediment heat energy production. The main recommendation is to use the effects of climate change to combat and mitigate its causes and further consequences. The overall conclusions are built on the relationships between different aspects of the topics. The paper contributes a precise current review of renewable energy. It is the last part of a series of four review papers on climate change, land uplift, water resources, and these seaside energy solutions.
Analysis of the Temporal Evolution of Climate Variables Such as Air Temperature and Precipitation at a Local Level: Impacts on the Definition of Strategies for Adaptation to Climate Change
Authors: Nunes Leonel J. R.
Published: October 2022

Climate change is a global phenomenon that can affect neighbouring territories and the communities residing there in different ways. This fact, which is associated with the specificities of each of the territories, leads to the need to implement adaptive measures to address the new reality imposed by climate change and to create more resilient territories and communities capable of facing this new paradigm. The more these measures are adjusted to the specificities of the territories and their communities, the more efficient they will be. Thus, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the evolution of the climate on the local scale and the real needs of the resident populations. To identify these needs, a survey was conducted, and it was found that the dominant opinion of all respondents, comprising citizens residing in Portugal, was that climate change can affect geographically close territories in different ways. In the present work, the municipality of Guimarães, located in the north of Portugal, was used as a case study, where a comparative analysis was carried out to assess the period between the current climate, characterized by the period of 1971–2021, and the climate of 100 years ago, characterized by the decade of 1896–1905, to determine trends for the variables of air temperature and precipitation. It was found that the temperature in the winter months increased, with less uniformity in the distribution of precipitation throughout the year. These differences in the air temperature and precipitation, as variables, lead to the need to plan adaptive measures that can be implemented so that the territory and its communities become more resilient to climate change.
Boron Nitride Thin Films with Anisotropic Optical Properties from Microscale Particle Density Distributions
Authors: Kotova Lyubov V. , Altynbaev Linar A. , Zhukova Maria O. , Borodin Bogdan R. , Kochereshko Vladimir P. , Baldycheva Anna , Hogan Benjamin T.
Published: October 2022

Unusual optical anisotropy was experimentally observed in hexagonal boron nitride thin films produced from bulk boron nitride via ultrasonication. Both the linear and circular polarisation demonstrated a well-defined single axis of anisotropy over a large sample area. To understand this phenomenon, we employed statistical analysis of optical microscopy images and atomic force microscopy to reveal an ordered particle density distribution at the microscopic level corresponding to the optical axis observed in the polarisation data. The direction of the observed ordering matched the axis of anisotropy. Hence, we attribute the measured optical anisotropy of the thin films to microscopic variations in the particle density distribution.
Investigating Waterproofness and Breathability of a Coated Double-Sided Knitted Fabric
Authors: Ghezal Imene , Moussa Ali , Ben Marzoug Imed , El-Achari Ahmida , Campagne Christine , Sakli Faouzi
Published: October 2022

The demand for waterproof breathable fabrics is increasing globally and so are efforts to develop such garments. In this paper, the development of a waterproof breathable textile by coating a double face knitted fabric is described. The applied polymeric coating is a mixture of an acrylic paste and a fluorocarbon resin. The aim of this study was the investigation of the breathability and waterproofness of the coated samples. The coating was made of industrialized chemical products and did not require water use. The screen coating process wastewater was also reduced. Three parameters related to the coating process were analyzed and optimized. These parameters were the fluorocarbon resin quantity (%), acrylic paste quantity (g·m−2), and reticulation time (min). The analyzed responses were the air permeability, windproofness, water vapor permeability, and resistance to water penetration. The optimized values of air permeability and water vapor permeability were equal to 154.81 L·m−2·s−1 and 83.852%, respectively. These values were judged acceptable when compared with commercialized products. The windproofness and the resistance to water penetration were equal to 161.81 L·m−2·s−1 and 78.51 Schmerber, respectively. Thus, both responses still need to be improved in order to obtain waterproofness properties. Based on the obtained results, the coated fabric can be used as a laminate outer layer for producing waterproof breathable fabrics.
Combination of Electron Beam Surface Structuring and Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation for Advanced Surface Modification of Ti6Al4V Alloy
Authors: Mora-Sanchez Hugo , Pixner Florian , Buzolin Ricardo , Mohedano Marta , Arrabal Raúl , Warchomicka Fernando , Matykina Endzhe
Published: October 2022

The objective of this work is to study for the first time the combination of electron beam (EB) surface structuring and plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) with the aim of providing a multiscale topography and bioactive surface to the Ti6Al4V alloy for biomedical applications. Ca and P-containing coatings were produced via 45 s PEO treatments over multi-scale EB surface topographies. The coatings morphology and composition were characterized by a means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The effect on the previous EB topography was evaluated by means of a 3D optical profilometry and electrochemical response via potentiodynamic polarization tests. In general, the PEO process, morphology, composition and growth rate of the coatings were almost identical, irrespective of the topography treated. Minimal local differences were found in terms of morphology, and the growth rate were related to specific topographical features. Nevertheless, all the PEO-coated substrates presented essentially the same corrosion resistance. Electrochemical tests revealed a localized crevice corrosion susceptibility of all the bare EB topographies, which was successfully prevented after the PEO treatment.
Effect of Working Pressure on Tribological Properties of Ce-Ti/MoS2 Coatings Using Magnetron Sputter
Authors: Tian Changling , Cai Haichao , Xue Yujun
Published: October 2022

In preparing MoS2-based coatings by magnetron sputtering, the working pressure of the vacuum chamber directly affects the number and kinetic energy of sputtering particles, which causes a difference in coatings structure and performance. In this paper, MoS2 composite coatings with Ce and Ti binary doping were prepared by unbalanced magnetron sputtering technology, and the variation of composition, structure, and tribological properties of Ce-Ti/MoS2 coatings under different working pressures was studied. The results demonstrated that Ce and Ti doping improves pure MoS2 coatings. The Ce-Ti/MoS2 coatings reached the hardness of 9.02 GPa and the friction coefficient of 0.065 when working pressure was at 0.6 Pa. It was also observed that the deposition efficiency and wear rate reached the optimal value at 0.9 Pa. With the increase of working pressure, the columnar structure of the coating was coarse due to the change of kinetic energy and quantity of particles in the chamber. The intensity of the MoS2 (002) diffraction peak decreased, which eventually led to a poor lubrication effect and aggravated wear. This study provides technical guidance for preparing metal-doped MoS2 composite coatings with excellent mechanical and tribological properties.
Understanding the Semiconducting-to-Metallic Transition in the CF2Si Monolayer under Shear Tensile Strain
Authors: Ouahrani Tarik , Boufatah Reda M.
Published: October 2022

With the ever-increasing interest in low-dimensional materials, it is urgent to understand the effect of strain on these kinds of structures. In this study, taking the CF2Si monolayer as an example, a computational study was carried out to investigate the effect of tensile shear strain on this compound. The structure was dynamically and thermodynamically stable under ambient conditions. By applying tensile shear, the structure showed a strain-driven transition from a semiconducting to a metallic behavior. This electronic transition’s nature was studied by means of the electron localization function index and an analysis of the noncovalent interactions. The result showed that the elongation of covalent bonds was not responsible for this metallization but rather noncovalent interactions governing the nonbonded bonds of the structure. This strain-tuned behavior might be capable of developing new devices with multiple properties involving the change in the nature of chemical bonding in low-dimensional structures.
Coincident Nodal Line and Nodal Surface Phonon States in Ternary Phosphide Compound BaLiP
Authors: Cui Hong , Chen Yunjian , Kang Qin , Shan Pengyue , Yang Tie , Wang Peng
Published: October 2022

With the continuous development of topological properties in condensed matter systems, the current research focus has been expanded into phononic bosonic states. Compared with the conventional electronic fermions, topological phonons exhibit very distinct features. In this study, based on density functional calculations, we have systematically investigated the topological phonons in the ternary phosphide compound BaLiP. Coincident nodal line and nodal surface states are revealed in the middle part of the phononic spectrum and they are formed by the same two phonon bands. Detailed band structure mechanism and symmetry operation formalism are provided. More importantly, evident surface states are observed from the entire nodal line and they are all well separated from the bulk state projection, very beneficial and preferable for future experimental investigation. Lastly, the mechanical properties are also examined and several important parameters are provided, which can be very useful for the practical application. Considering the multiple advantages of the topological nodal states in this material, the corresponding experimental study can be immediately inspired.
Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonding in Alpha-Hydroxy Carboxylic Acids Crystals: Connectivity, Synthons, Supramolecular Motifs
Authors: Bredikhin Alexander A. , Fayzullin Robert R. , Gubaidullin Aidar T. , Bredikhina Zemfira A.
Published: October 2022

Synthon theory underlies the analysis and empirical prediction of the crystal structure. Supramolecular synthons (SMSs) formed by intermolecular hydrogen bonds, such as carboxylic R22(8) and C11(4) and alcoholic C11(2) ones, are among the most popular. The subject of this publication is the identification of specific synthons in alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acids (AHAs) crystals, in which carboxyl and alcohol fragments are present simultaneously. A series of 11 single-enantiomeric and racemic crystals of substituted lactic acids, the simplest chiral AHA family, were prepared and studied by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD) method. Advanced analysis of our own and published (Cambridge Structural Database) data on the 33 crystal structures of lactic and achiral AHAs of diverse structures revealed that their supramolecular organization differs significantly from that of simple carboxylic acids. We found that in AHA crystals, hydrogen bonds RC(O)O−H···O(H)−C(R′R′′)C(O)OH (in our notation HB 12) and O=C(OH)C(R′R′′)−O−H···O=C(OH)R′ (HB 23) predominate. The frequency of intermolecular hydrogen bonds is interconnected with the frequency of SMSs. Thus, the synthons mentioned above occur but do not dominate in AHA crystals. Linear synthons C22(6):12/23 and cyclic synthons R22(10):23/23 and R33(11):12/23/23 are most often implemented. An essential role in the choice of cyclic synthons is played by the chiral characteristics of the sample.
Theory and Practice of Integrating Machine Learning and Conventional Statistics in Medical Data Analysis
Authors: Dhillon Sarinder Kaur , Ganggayah Mogana Darshini , Sinnadurai Siamala , Lio Pietro , Taib Nur Aishah
Published: October 2022

The practice of medical decision making is changing rapidly with the development of innovative computing technologies. The growing interest of data analysis with improvements in big data computer processing methods raises the question of whether machine learning can be integrated with conventional statistics in health research. To help address this knowledge gap, this paper presents a review on the conceptual integration between conventional statistics and machine learning, focusing on the health research. The similarities and differences between the two are compared using mathematical concepts and algorithms. The comparison between conventional statistics and machine learning methods indicates that conventional statistics are the fundamental basis of machine learning, where the black box algorithms are derived from basic mathematics, but are advanced in terms of automated analysis, handling big data and providing interactive visualizations. While the nature of both these methods are different, they are conceptually similar. Based on our review, we conclude that conventional statistics and machine learning are best to be integrated to develop automated data analysis tools. We also strongly believe that machine learning could be explored by health researchers to enhance conventional statistics in decision making for added reliable validation measures.
Small Biopsy Samples: Are They Representative for Biphenotypic Sinonasal Sarcoma?
Authors: Kuczkiewicz-Siemion Olga , Prochorec-Sobieszek Monika , Rysz Maciej , Wojnowska Aneta , Durzyńska Monika
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: Biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma (BSNS) is a rare low-grade neoplasm of the sinonasal tract. It is characterized by specific PAX3 gene rearrangements and both myogenic and neural differentiation. The purpose of the study was to describe the histologic, immunohistochemical and molecular features of BSNS and indicate important clues for small incisional biopsy diagnostics. (2) Methods: Archival samples from patients with nasal cavities or ethmoid sinuses tumors were searched for BSNS cases. Inclusion criteria were the presence of spindle cell morphology and low-grade appearance. Both biopsy and resection specimens were stained for identical IHC panels including, i.a., S100, SMA, SOX10 and PAX3. FISH for PAX3 and SS18 was performed on biopsy specimens. (3) Results: BSNS diagnosis was made in 6 cases included in the study and confirmed by PAX3 rearrangement by FISH in 5 specimens. The pattern of IHC expression was identical for paired biopsy and resection samples apart from one BSNS case. (4) Conclusions: Incisional biopsy seems to be a sufficient method to establish BSNS diagnosis in most cases. Characteristic morphological features together with S100, SOX10 and SMA as the screening markers are useful for confirming the diagnosis. In cases of divergent morphology and immunoprofile evaluation of PAX3 rearrangement is vital.
An Innovative Concept of a 3D-Coded Aperture Imaging System Proposed for Early Breast Cancer Detection
Authors: Hussain Khalid , Alnafea Mohammed A. , Saripan M Iqbal , Mahboub Djelloul , Mahmud Rozi , Wan Adnan Wan Azizun , Xianling Dong
Published: October 2022

Coded Aperture (CA) imaging has recently been used in nuclear medicine, but still, there is no commercial SPECT imaging camera based on CA for cancer detection. The literature is rich in examples of using the CA for planar and thin 3D imaging. However, thick 3D reconstruction is still challenging for small lesion detection. This paper presents the results of mosaic modified uniformly redundant array (MURA) mask/antimask CA combined with a maximum-likelihood expectation-maximization (MLEM) algorithm. The MLEM is an iterative algorithm applied to a mosaic MURA CA mask/antimask for 3D anthropomorphic breast phantom reconstruction, slice by slice. The difference between the mask and the antimask suppresses the background noise to enhance the quality of reconstructed images. Furthermore, all reconstructed slices are stacked to form a 3D breast phantom image from single-projection data. The results of phantom reconstruction with 8 mm, 6 mm, 4 mm, and 3 mm lesions are presented. Moreover, the proposed SPECT imaging camera can reconstruct a 3D breast phantom from single-projection data of the patient’s scanning. To assess the quality of lesions in the reconstructed images, the contrast-to-background ratio (CBR), the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and mean square error (MSE) were measured.
Abdominal and Pelvic Floor Activity Related to Respiratory Diaphragmatic Activity in Subjects with and without Non-Specific Low Back Pain
Authors: Sicilia-Gomez Cristina , Fernández-Carnero Samuel , Martin-Perez Alicia , Cuenca-Zaldívar Nicolas , Naranjo-Cinto Fermin , Pecos-Martín Daniel , Cervera-Cano Maria , Nunez-Nagy Susana
Published: October 2022

One of the advances in physiotherapy in recent years is the exploration and treatment by ultrasound imaging. This technique makes it possible to study the relationship between the musculature of the anterolateral wall of the abdomino-pelvic cavity, the pelvic floor muscles and the diaphragm muscle, among others, and thus understand their implication in non-specific low back pain (LBP) in pathological subjects regarding healthy subjects. Objective: To evaluate by RUSI (rehabilitative ultrasound imaging) the muscular thickness at rest of the abdominal wall, the excursion of the pelvic floor and the respiratory diaphragm, as well as to study their activity. Methodology: Two groups of 46 subjects each were established. The variables studied were: non-specific low back pain, thickness and excursion after tidal and forced breathing, pelvic floor (PF) excursion in a contraction and thickness of the external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO) and transverse (TA) at rest. Design: Cross-sectional observational study. Results: Good-to-excellent reliability for measurements of diaphragm thickness at both tidal volume (TV) (inspiration: 0.763, expiration: 0.788) and expiration at forced volume (FV) (0.763), and good reliability for inspiration at FV (0.631). A correlation was found between the EO muscle and PF musculature with respect to diaphragmatic thickness at TV, inspiration and expiration, and inspiration at FV, in addition to finding significant differences in all these variables in subjects with LBP. Conclusion: Subjects with LBP have less thickness at rest in the OE muscle, less excursion of the pelvic diaphragm, less diaphragmatic thickness at TV, in inspiration and expiration, and in inspiration to FV.
Effectiveness of 38% Silver Diamine Fluoride in Reducing Dentine Hypersensitivity on Exposed Root Surface in Older Chinese Adults: Study Protocol for a Randomised Double-Blind Study
Authors: Chan Alice Kit Ying , Tamrakar Manisha , Jiang Chloe Meng , Tsang Yiu Cheung , Leung Katherine Chiu Man , Chu Chun Hung
Published: October 2022

Background: Dentine hypersensitivity on an exposed root surface induces pain, affects daily oral hygiene practice, limits dietary choices and negatively affects quality of life. Silver diamine fluoride is marketed in the United States as a desensitising agent, but well-designed clinical trials are limited. This study evaluates the anti-hypersensitivity effect of silver diamine fluoride on hypersensitive teeth due to an exposed root surface in older Chinese adults. Methods/design: We will conduct a randomised double-blind clinical trial with a sample size of at least 148 Chinese older adults aged 65 or above who have dentine hypersensitivity due to an exposed root surface. We will collect written consent before the study. A trained examiner will examine the participants’ teeth with a blast of compressed air from a 3-in-1 syringe. Those adults who report a self-perceived sensitivity score (SS) (0 to 10) of 8 or more on at least one tooth with an exposed root surface will be recruited. The recruited older adults will be randomly allocated into two groups using a block randomisation of six. Group 1 participants will receive the application of 38% silver diamine fluoride solution every 4 weeks. Group 2 participants will receive the application of 5% potassium nitrate solution every 4 weeks. Dietary advice, oral hygiene instruction and fluoride toothpaste at 1450 ppm will be provided to participants in both groups. The same trained examiner will perform follow-up examinations for the participants and determine the dentine hypersensitivity in SS of the most hypersensitive tooth (with the highest pre-treatment SS) immediately after the intervention and at 4-week and 8-week intervals. Discussion: There is no consensus on the standard of care for a professionally applied desensitising agent in older adults. This trial will provide evidence for clinicians to devise an effective dental care plan for older adults with dentine hypersensitivity. Trial registration: NCT05392868 Registered on 22 May 2022.
Generational Inclusion: Getting Older Adults Ready to Own Safe Online Identities
Authors: Zanchetta Chiara , Schiff Hannah , Novo Carolina , Cruz Sandra , Vaz de Carvalho Carlos
Published: October 2022

This article presents an initiative that addresses the problem of the digital literacy generational gap, targeting older adults that struggle to integrate the digital world and are unaware of the dangers of the online environment. The article has a European scope but with a special attention to the Portuguese context. The methodological approach started with a theoretical research on digital and online literacy of adults, followed by the design of an innovative training program specifically designed for this target group and finished with the results of the evaluation of the impact of the training. The overall conclusion, based on the achieved results, leads us to think that it is possible to improve the digital literacy of older adults so that they become effective online users while being alert to the dangers of the online world. Therefore, the work conducted is expected to contribute to a greater awareness of the importance and socio-economic possibilities that arise from the digital and technological investment for stimulating the integration of the older generation in the digital context.
“We’re Not Going to Overcome Institutional Bias by Doing Nothing”: Latinx/a/o Student Affairs Professionals as Advocates for Equity
Authors: Espino Michelle M. , Ariza Juanita
Published: October 2022

Higher education institutions continue to be contested environments where the goals of equity and inclusion are often at odds with the permanence of institutional racism. Through a multi-case study of 19 Latinx/a/o mid-level administrators who worked at 16 predominantly white, private four-year universities, the authors uncovered the ways that (a) private universities grant agency to Latinx/a/o mid-level administrators to serve student needs but restrict agency to address the inequitable organizational structures; (b) constituent groups within private universities, namely faculty, mark the racialized boundaries of power and decision-making through credentialing; and (c) private universities use silence as a means of controlling Latinx/a/o mid-level professionals administrators’ equity work. Although Latinx/a/o mid-level administrators have a significant role to play in advancing equity work inside higher education institutions, these racialized organizations will create barriers that maintain whiteness and white interests. Without addressing power structures and the bureaucracy of decision-making at private institutions, progress on equity throughout the organizational structure may be limited. Implications for research and practice for Latinx/a/o/ administrators are discussed.
Teacher Burnout and Collegiality at the Workplace in Higher Education Institutions in the Arab Gulf Region
Authors: Alzahmi Ebtesam A. , Belbase Shashidhar , Al Hosani Mohamed
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of teacher burnout on collegial relationships among faculty members in two higher education institutions- one in Kuwait and the other in the United Arab Emirates. A quantitative methodology was employed using a self-constructed online questionnaire. The results of the study showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the teachers’ perception of burnout and collegiality by gender, age group, and years of experience in teaching at a 0.05 level of significance. However, there was a statistically significant difference between the teachers in Kuwait and the UAE in their perception of burnout, although the difference was not significant for collegiality at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings also showed that the participants’ gender, age, and work experience were not predictors of collegiality, but the perception of burnout was a significant predictor of collegiality. Conclusions were drawn from the study’s findings, with implications for policy, practice, and future research.
Implementing Blockchain-Based Traceable Certificates as Sustainable Technology in Democratic Elections
Authors: Bhadoria Robin Singh , Das Arka Prabha , Bashar Abul , Zikria Mohammed
Published: October 2022

A democratic election is a crucial event in any country. Therefore, the government of the country is concerned with creating more competitive and fairer elections. This paper discusses the survey and scope of Blockchain technology adoptions in conducting elections. A distributed digital ledger is used in the Blockchain technology that is utilized for recording transactions happening between two parties. Ledger conducts this processing in an efficient and effective manner with latest secure mechanism of encryption algorithms. Therefore, the data stored in several blocks in each transaction is secure, transparent, and tamper-proof, which ultimately improves the transparency and voter confidentiality. This paper demonstrates how the benefits of the Blockchain technology such as immutability, transparency and end-to-end verifiability can be utilized by the national governments around the world to ensure fair democratic elections. In short, we aim to present a rigorous mechanism of a Blockchain based e-voting system, its efficiency based on different consensus algorithms and the overall progress and analysis based on some critical parameters to anticipate the feasibility of the successful implementation of the proposed e-voting system.
Synthetic Infra-Red Image Evaluation Methods by Structural Similarity Index Measures
Authors: Lee Sky H. , Leeghim Henzeh
Published: October 2022

For synthetic infra-red (IR) image generation, a new approach using CycleGAN based on the structural similarity index measure (SSIM) is addressed. In this study, how window sizes and weight parameters of SSIM would affect the synthetic IR image constructed by CycleGAN is analyzed. Since it is focused on the acquisition of a more realistic synthetic image, a metric to evaluate similarities between the synthetic IR images generated by the proposed CycleGAN and the real images taken from an actual UAV is also considered. For image similarity evaluations, the power spectrum analysis is considered to observe the extent to which synthetic IR images follow the actual image distribution. Furthermore, the representative t-SNE analysis as a similarity measure is also conducted. Finally, the synthetic IR images generated by the CycleGAN suggested is investigated by the metrics proposed in this paper.
Horus: An Effective and Reliable Framework for Code-Reuse Exploits Detection in Data Stream
Authors: Yang Gang , Liu Xingtong , Tang Chaojing
Published: October 2022

Recent years have witnessed a rapid growth of code-reuse attacks in advance persistent threats and cyberspace crimes. Carefully crafted code-reuse exploits circumvent modern protection mechanisms and hijack the execution flow of a program to perform expected functionalities by chaining together existing codes. The sophistication and intricacy of code-reuse exploits hinder the scrutinization and dissection of them. Although the previous literature has introduced some feasible approaches, effectiveness and reliability in practical applications remain severe challenges. To address this issue, we propose Horus, a data-driven framework for effective and reliable detection on code-reuse exploits. In order to raise the effectiveness against underlying noises, we comprehensively leverage the strengths of time-series and frequency-domain analysis, and propose a learning-based detector that synthesizes the contemporary twofold features. Then we employ a lightweight interpreter to speculatively and tentatively translate the suspicious bytes to open the black box and enhance the reliability and interpretability. Additionally, a functionality-preserving data augmentation is adopted to increase the diversity of limited training data and raise the generality for real-world deployment. Comparative experiments and ablation studies are conducted on a dataset composed of real-world instances to verify and prove the prevalence of Horus. The experimental results illustrate that Horus outperforms existing methods on the identification of code-reuse exploits from data stream with an acceptable overhead. Horus does not rely on any dynamic executions and can be easily integrated into existing defense systems. Moreover, Horus is able to provide tentative interpretations about attack semantics irrespective of target program, which further improve system’s effectiveness and reliability.
DKT-LCIRT: A Deep Knowledge Tracking Model Integrating Learning Capability and Item Response Theory
Authors: Li Guangquan , Shuai Junkai , Hu Yuqing , Zhang Yonghong , Wang Yinglong , Yang Tonghua , Xiong Naixue
Published: October 2022

In the realm of intelligent education, knowledge tracking is a critical study topic. Deep learning-based knowledge tracking models have better predictive performance compared to traditional knowledge tracking models, but the models are less interpretable and also often ignore the intrinsic differences among students (e.g., learning capability, guessing capability, etc.), resulting in a lack of personalization of predictive results. To further reflect the personalized differences among students and enhance the interpretability of the model at the same time, a Deep Knowledge Tracking model integrating Learning Capability and Item Response Theory (DKT-LCIRT) is proposed. The model dynamically calculates students’ learning capability by each time interval and allocates each student to groups with similar learning capabilities to increase the predictive performance of the model. Furthermore, the model introduces item response theory to enhance the interpretability of the model. Substantial experiments on four real datasets were carried out, and the experimental results showed that the DKT-LCIRT model improved the AUC by 3% and the ACC by 2% compared to other models. The results confirmed that the DKT-LCIRT model outperformed other classical models in terms of predictive performance, fully reflecting students’ individualization and adding a more meaningful interpretation to the model.
Design of a Capacitorless DRAM Based on Storage Layer Separated Using Separation Oxide and Polycrystalline Silicon
Authors: Kim Geon Uk , Yoon Young Jun , Seo Jae Hwa , Lee Sang Ho , Park Jin , Kang Ga Eon , Heo Jun Hyeok , Jang Jaewon , Bae Jin-Hyuk , Lee Sin-Hyung , Kang In Man
Published: October 2022

In this study, a capacitorless one-transistor dynamic random-access memory (1T-DRAM) based on a polycrystalline silicon (Poly-Si) metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) with a storage layer separated using a separation oxide was designed and analyzed using technology computer-aided design (TCAD). The channel and storage layers were separated using a separation oxide to improve the inferior retention time of the conventional 1T-DRAM, and we adopted the underlap structure to reduce Shockley-Read-Hall recombination. In addition, poly-Si, which has several advantages, including low manufacturing cost and availability of high-density three-dimensional (3D) memory arrays, is used to easily fabricate silicon-on-insulator (SOI)-like structures. Accordingly, we extracted memory performance by analyzing the effect of grain boundary (GB). The proposed 1T-DRAM achieved a sensing margin of 14.10 μA/μm and a retention time of 251 ms at T = 358 K, even in the existence of a GB.
Fast Sidelobe Calculation for Planar Phased Arrays Using an Iterative Sidelobe Seeking Method
Authors: Miao Ke , Zhang Yi , Jing Handan , Wang Shuoguang , Sun Houjun
Published: October 2022

Sidelobe level is a key parameter for phased array design. However, the conventional method for sidelobe level calculation is time-consuming due to the high sampling number of the radiation pattern. In this paper, an iterative sidelobe-seeking method for sidelobe calculation of arbitrarily distributed planar arrays is proposed to shorten the computing time. By applying Newton’s iterative method with an approximate formula, the proposed method uses less sampling to obtain the sidelobe positions and the peak sidelobe level. Numerical experiments were carried out and verified the effectiveness of the proposed method. Compared with the conventional method, the proposed method had a similar optimization effect but saved 80% of the algorithm time in the synthesis of a sparse planar array.
Fault Evolution and Its Effect on the Sealing Ability of Mudstone Cap Rocks
Authors: Liang Mugui , Fu Guang , Li Qiaoqiao , Guo Heyao , Zhang Bowei
Published: October 2022

To study the spatial distribution and scale of oil and gas near faults in petroliferous basins, a prediction model is established for the degree of damage that faults in different stages of evolution exert on the sealing ability of mudstone cap rocks by calculating the stages and degree of fault damage to the sealing ability of mudstone cap rocks. This model is applied to the Nanpu 5th Structure and the results show that at survey lines L2 and L8, the F1 Fault destroyed the sealing capacity of mudstone cap rock of the 2nd member of Dongying Formation (E3d2). The undamaged cap rock stage, when the degree of damage was zero, persisted from 23.8 to 16.0 Ma at survey line L2 and from 23.8 to 13.6 Ma at survey line L8. Complete destruction, i.e., where the degree of damage was 100%, at survey lines L2 and L8 occurred from 16.0 to 13.3 Ma and from 13.6 to 13.3 Ma, respectively. The partial destruction stage began 13.3 Ma ago and persists today; the degrees of damage at survey lines L2 and L8 were 89.96% and 82.58%, respectively. This was not conducive to oil and gas accumulation in the reservoir under the mudstone cap rock of E3d2. These results agreed with the current findings of small amounts of oil and gas under the mudstone cap rock of E3d2 at survey line L8 and no oil and gas at survey line L2. This indicates that the model is feasible for predicting the degree of damage to the sealing ability of the mudstone cap rocks by faults at different stages in their evolution.
Electromagnetic Field Optimization Based Selective Harmonic Elimination in a Cascaded Symmetric H-Bridge Inverter
Authors: Ahmad Shafiq
Published: October 2022

Multilevel inverters (MLIs), both symmetrical and asymmetrical, have shown to be useful in a number of applications. Continuous improvements in output voltage waveform control and converter size reduction have made this practicable. The output voltage is managed using a low frequency modulation technique called selective harmonic elimination. This paper investigates an unique selective harmonic elimination (SHE) control that uses electromagnetic field optimization (EFO). The major features of the EFO guarantee that the targeted harmonics are removed via computation of the ideal angles, such as its easier compilation procedure and capacity for single-stage local and global searches. Additionally, a comparison with well-known algorithms namely Genetic Algorithm and Differential Evolution in accessing performance based on Total Harmonic Distortion demonstrates the EFO’s competence. The suggested algorithm’s performance has been tested using a symmetric cascaded H-Bridge MLI structure. In the MATLAB/Simulink environment, simulation analysis is performed, validating the viability of the created system. To further show the effectiveness of the suggested approach, experimental testing using low switching frequency control methods has been carried out in a dynamic setting.
Promising and Potential Applications of Phase Change Materials in the Cold Chain: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ilangovan Adhiyaman , Hamdane Samia , Silva Pedro D. , Gaspar Pedro D. , Pires Luís
Published: October 2022

Appropriate measures have been taken to reduce energy requirements for cold chain applications. Thermal energy storage is an accepted method to reduce the need for electrical energy after harvesting fresh horticultural produce. The use of phase change materials (PCM) in postharvest storage, outside of a temperature-controlled environment, extends shelf life and keeps food at the ideal temperature. This review focuses on the various trials using PCM to improve cold chain effectiveness. It also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each type of storage using different PCM, as well as the likely and potentially promising applications of thermal energy storage in the cold chain.