bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Few-Shot Network Intrusion Detection Using Discriminative Representation Learning with Supervised Autoencoder
Authors: Iliyasu Auwal Sani , Abdurrahman Usman Alhaji , Zheng Lirong
Published: February 2022

Recently, intrusion detection methods based on supervised deep learning techniques (DL) have seen widespread adoption by the research community, as a result of advantages, such as the ability to learn useful feature representations from input data without excessive manual intervention. However, these techniques require large amounts of data to generalize well. Collecting a large-scale malicious sample is non-trivial, especially in the modern day with its constantly evolving landscape of cyber-threats. On the other hand, collecting a few-shot of malicious samples is more realistic in practical settings, as in cases such as zero-day attacks, where security agents are only able to intercept a limited number of such samples. Hence, intrusion detection methods based on few-shot learning is emerging as an alternative to conventional supervised learning approaches to simulate more realistic settings. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a novel method that leverages discriminative representation learning with a supervised autoencoder to achieve few-shot intrusion detection. Our approach is implemented in two stages: we first train a feature extractor model with known classes of malicious samples using a discriminative autoencoder, and then in the few-shot detection stage, we use the trained feature extractor model to fit a classifier with a few-shot examples of the novel attack class. We are able to achieve detection rates of 99.5% and 99.8% for both the CIC-IDS2017 and NSL-KDD datasets, respectively, using only 10 examples of an unseen attack.
Correction: Xie et al. Distributed Attitude Synchronization for Spacecraft Formation Flying via Event-Triggered Control. Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 6299
Authors: Xie Xiong , Sheng Tao , He Liang
Published: February 2022

We, the authors, wish to make the following corrections to our paper [...]
A Novel Approach to the Improvement of the Hydropower Plants Protective Measures—Modelling and Numerical Analyses of the Semi-Pneumatic Surge Tank
Authors: Ilić Jovan , Božić Ivan , Petković Aleksandar , Karadžić Uroš
Published: February 2022

Adopting adequate operational and safety measures is a significant part of the investigation of transient processes of hydropower plants (HPPs), both throughout the design stage of prospective plants and throughout the planning stage of the HPPs envisaged for refurbishment/uprating. One of the surge tank (ST) types, insufficiently researched so far, with a potential positive techno-economical influence, is the semi-pneumatic surge tank (SPST). Since the detailed analyses of SPST have never been performed or published before, the SPSTs have been examined here by presenting theoretical considerations, a newly developed mathematical model and comprehensive numerical simulations. The aim is to improve the performance of the open-air variations of STs. Multiple numerical simulations for a specific case-study HPP have been performed with the conclusions about the peculiarities and benefits of the SPST implementation. Firstly, numerical results for the existing as-built surge tank and corresponding alternative SPST have been compared, in order to verify the developed model. Variations of the main SPST constructive parameters have been analyzed, with the aim to determine the sensitivity of particular influences on transient processes versus its geometry alterations. The conducted analyses show that the SPST application brings HPP transient behaviour improvement compared to open-air ST. Dimensions of the new surge tank with specific aeration orifice could be smaller than the ones previously defined: both the diameter of the optimized upper and lower chamber and the core could be decreased by 20% and 12.5%, respectively.
Construction and Degradation Performance Study of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Degrading Bacterium Consortium
Authors: Zhang Long , Yang Bo , Qu Chengtun , Chen Gang , Qi Feng , Yu Tao , Mustapha Azlin
Published: February 2022

PAHs are widely distributed in the environment and pose a serious threat to ecological security and human health. The P&A (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Alcaligenes faecalis) bacterium consortium obtained in this study comes from oily sludge and is reused for the degradation of PAHs mixture in oily sludge. Few articles pay attention to the PAHs mixture in oily sludge and reuse the bacterium consortium for its degradation. The PAHs solution degradation efficient of P&A bacterial consortium under different environmental conditions, bioaugmentations, and exogenous stimulations were studied by ultraviolet visible spectrophotometer and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The result shows that, after 8 days of degradation under 35 °C, pH 7, with 5% (volume percent) of the inoculation amount, the degradation rate of NAP, PHE, and PYR solution could higher than 90%, 80%, and 70%, respectively. The additional crude oil could further improve the NAP, PHE, and PYR degradation efficiency. The minimum inhibitory concentration of Cu2+, Zn2+, and Pb2+ to bacterium were 2.002, 17.388, and 9.435 mM, respectively. The addition of surfactants had negative or limited positive effect on the PAHs degradation rate. Furthermore, the average degradation rates of NAP, PHE, and PYR, in oily sludge of local petroleum polluted area by P&A bacterial consortium, could all reach above 80%. Based on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry test results before and after incubation, P&A bacterial consortium also provides more opportunities for other organic compounds’ degradation.
Numerical Study on Flow and Heat Transfer of Supercritical Hydrocarbon Fuel in Curved Cooling Channel
Authors: Zhang Ying , Cao Yong , Gong Keyu , Liu Shuyuan , Wang Limin , Chen Zhengchun
Published: February 2022

The fluid flow and heat transfer of hydrocarbon fuel play a significant role in developing regenerative cooling technology for advanced aeroengines. Numerical simulations have been conducted to investigate the flow and heat transfer characteristics of China RP-3 aviation kerosene with pyrolysis in a 3D, 90° bend, square cooling channel around the cavity flame-holder of a scramjet. A chemical kinetic model, composed of 18 species and 24 reactions, was adopted to simulate the fuel pyrolysis process. Results indicate that the secondary flow enhances the mixing of the fluid, thus, the transports of heat and components are improved between the near-wall region and main flow field in the curved channel. Compared with a straight cooling channel, fuel conversion and heat-absorbing capacity are higher, and the heat transfer is effectively enhanced in a curved cooling channel. In addition, with the increasing inlet mass flow rate and the decreasing radius of curvature, the velocity of the secondary flow increases. The heat and components are easily transferred from the near-wall region to the main flow. The non-uniformities of fuel temperature and conversion at the cross section decreases, which is helpful for improving the utilization of the level of fuel heat-absorbing capacity, and beneficial for enhancing the heat transfer.
The BCL Method for DSSC: Basis and Applications
Authors: Barrera Mauricio , Crivelli Irma , Loeb Barbara
Published: February 2022

In this work, a comprehensive view of the route that led to the construction of a theoretical approach to the functioning of DSSC is presented. The model was developed based on the theoretical interpretation of experimental results obtained along the years for solar cells including different dyes. This allowed the authors to generate the Barrera, Crivelli, Loeb (BCL) model. The method is based on a system of equations that uses time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations to obtain a theoretical index, the Global Efficiency Index (GEI), for the efficiency of a sensitized solar cell. The GEI is obtained through the product of three factors: the available energy for injection, the amount of charge injected, and the efficiency of regeneration. The results so far obtained show a promising correlation with the experimental index of photo conversion efficiency (PCE). Moreover, the method provides theoretical tools that allow us to obtain an understanding of the operation of the cell, and provide us with the keys to optimize it. Its application to other type of devices, as, e.g., the highly more efficient perovskite solar cells, emerges as a challenging future goal.
Effects of Biomass Fast Pyrolysis Fuel on the Tribological Behaviour of Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Lubricating Oil
Authors: Song Ruhong , Yu Huiqiang , Song Hui , Hu Xianguo
Published: February 2022

The fuel type not only influences the engine power and exhaust emissions, but dilutes the lubricating oil. We studied the effects of biomass fast pyrolysis fuel, or biofuel, on the tribological behaviour of a fully formulated engine oil (FFEO) used for heavy-duty diesel engines by reciprocating a sliding tribometer, which simulated the tribological conditions of an engine cylinder liner and piston ring. We analysed the surface morphology, surface roughness, and elemental contents of countersurfaces through scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersant spectroscopy and surface roughness measurements. The wear mechanism was studied by analysing the compositions and kinematic viscosities of the oil samples. The results indicate that the friction coefficient increased along with the emulsified biomass fuel (EBF) content in FFEO. The wear mass loss and EBF content were simultaneously increased. The wear mechanism was mainly attributed to the corrosion function of the biofuel.
Sous Vide Cooking Effects on Physicochemical, Microbiological and Sensory Characteristics of Pork Loin
Authors: Kurp Lidia , Danowska-Oziewicz Marzena , Kłębukowska Lucyna
Published: February 2022

Pork loin slices were sous vide cooked at 60 °C and 65 °C for 2 h, 3 h and 4 h, and at 70 °C and 75 °C for 1 h, 1.5 h and 2 h. The cooking loss of the meat samples significantly increased with the temperature and time of heat treatment, but no correlation between cooking loss and moisture content in the samples was noted. All samples showed similar pH and water activity values. Regarding colour parameters, only yellowness showed significant differences between the samples and was affected by the temperature and time of cooking. Texture profile analysis revealed the lowest hardness of the samples cooked at 60 °C. Sensory analysis showed that cooking at 60 or 65 °C for 4 h ensured the most acceptable sensory features of the investigated samples, and tenderness and juiciness influenced the overall acceptability in the highest degree. All samples were microbiologically safe for consumption.
Modelling the Impact of National vs. Local Emission Reduction on PM2.5 in the West Midlands, UK Using WRF-CMAQ
Authors: Mazzeo Andrea , Zhong Jian , Hood Christina , Smith Stephen , Stocker Jenny , Cai Xiaoming , Bloss William J.
Published: February 2022

Ambient air pollution from PM2.5 is a major risk to human and environmental health, with significant impacts on mortality and morbidity. Mitigation policies—which may be regional or national in extent—need to consider both primary and secondary particles to be effective, balancing within-region emissions and longer-range transport phenomena. The modelling system WRF-CMAQ was used to simulate the impact of emissions reductions in the West Midlands region of the UK, evaluating the change in total PM2.5 and in its primary and secondary components. Domestic combustion, road transport and agriculture emissions were reduced individually or in combination, at a national or at local level. Combined reduction of road transport and agriculture emissions showed the strongest reduction (29%) in average PM2.5 if applied at national level. At the local level, reductions from domestic combustion were shown to be the most effective policy (13.4% on average). Secondary inorganic fractions of PM2.5 are the most abundant, with 25% NO3− 21% SO42− and 13% NH4+ on average. Scenario analysis shows that the contribution of secondary components to the fractional change of PM2.5 dominates for national policies (up to 0.86 for NO3−) when road transport and agriculture activities are reduced, while at the regional level the elemental and organic carbon fractional changes are dominant (up to 0.64 for organic carbon).
Potential Use of Wet Scrubbers for the Removal of Tobacco Dust Particles in the Tobacco Industry
Authors: Zhao Xinli , Jia Jifeng , Li Xiaochuan , Wang Li , Wang Yuyao , Hu Haibin , Shen Zhiyuan , Jiang Yefeng
Published: February 2022

Tobacco dust represents a critical threat to the operators’ respiratory health. Even when wet scrubbers display high purification efficiencies and strong adaptability to dust, their potential applications in the tobacco industry have not been studied. In the present research, removal efficiency of wet scrubber for tobacco dust and fine dust were examined at laboratory and industrial level. Results showed that the dust removal efficiency of the wet scrubber under laboratory conditions reached a maximum value of 99.17%. In addition, the dust discharge concentration was reduced to a minimum value of 1.1 mg/m3. Our data indicated that after using the wet scrubber, large dust particles (≥10 μm) were more effectively removed than fine dust particles (≤5 μm). After the use of the wet scrubber at the industrial facility, the overall dust removal efficiency reached a value of 98.9%, and dust concentration at the discharge point was as low as 1 mg/m3. This value complies with the ultra-low discharge standard and industrial production requirements. Our study demonstrated the feasibility of using wet scrubbers in the removal of tobacco dust and provides new insights for dust suppression in the tobacco processing industry.
QM-BZ-Algebras and Quasi-Hyper BZ-Algebras
Authors: Du Yudan , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: February 2022

BZ-algebra, as the common generalization of BCI-algebra and BCC-algebra, is a kind of important logic algebra. Herein, the new concepts of QM-BZ-algebra and quasi-hyper BZ-algebra are proposed and their structures and constructions are studied. First, the definition of QM-BZ-algebra is presented, and the structure of QM-BZ-algebra is obtained: Each QM-BZ-algebra is KG-union of quasi-alter BCK-algebra and anti-grouped BZ-algebra. Second, the new concepts of generalized quasi-left alter (hyper) BZ-algebras and QM-hyper BZ-algebra are introduced, and some characterizations of them are investigated. Third, the definition of quasi-hyper BZ-algebra is proposed, and the relationships among BZ-algebra, hyper BZ-algebra, quasi-hyper BCI-algebra, and quasi-hyper BZ-algebra are discussed. Finally, several special classes of quasi-hyper BZ-algebras are studied in depth and the following important results are proved: (1) an anti-grouped quasi-hyper BZ-algebra is an anti-grouped BZ-algebra; (2) every generalized anti-grouped quasi-hyper BZ-algebra corresponds to a semihypergroup.
Metallothionein and Cadmium Toxicology—Historical Review and Commentary
Authors: Nordberg Monica , Nordberg Gunnar F.
Published: February 2022

More than one and a half centuries ago, adverse human health effects were reported after use of a cadmium-containing silver polishing agent. Long-term cadmium exposure gives rise to kidney or bone disease, reproductive toxicity and cancer in animals and humans. At present, high human exposures to cadmium occur in small-scale mining, underlining the need for preventive measures. This is particularly urgent in view of the growing demand for minerals and metals in global climate change mitigation. This review deals with a specific part of cadmium toxicology that is important for understanding when toxic effects appear and, thus, is crucial for risk assessment. The discovery of the low-molecular-weight protein metallothionein (MT) in 1957 was an important milestone because, when this protein binds cadmium, it modifies cellular cadmium toxicity. The present authors contributed evidence in the 1970s concerning cadmium binding to MT and synthesis of the protein in tissues. We showed that binding of cadmium to metallothionein in tissues prevented some toxic effects, but that metallothionein can increase the transport of cadmium to the kidneys. Special studies showed the importance of the Cd/Zn ratio in MT for expression of toxicity in the kidneys. We also developed models of cadmium toxicokinetics based on our MT-related findings. This model combined with estimates of tissue levels giving rise to toxicity, made it possible to calculate expected risks in relation to exposure. Other scientists developed these models further and international organizations have successfully used these amended models in recent publications. Our contributions in recent decades included studies in humans of MT-related biomarkers showing the importance of MT gene expression in lymphocytes and MT autoantibodies for risks of Cd-related adverse effects in cadmium-exposed population groups. In a study of the impact of zinc status on the risk of kidney dysfunction in a cadmium-exposed group, the risks were low when zinc status was good and high when zinc status was poor. The present review summarizes this evidence in a risk assessment context and calls for its application in order to improve preventive measures against adverse effects of cadmium exposures in humans and animals.
Adrenomedullin Therapy in Moderate to Severe COVID-19
Authors: Kita Toshihiro , Kitamura Kazuo
Published: February 2022

The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is still in progress, and a significant number of patients have presented with severe illness. Recently introduced vaccines, antiviral medicines, and antibody formulations can suppress COVID-19 symptoms and decrease the number of patients exhibiting severe disease. However, complete avoidance of severe COVID-19 has not been achieved, and more importantly, there are insufficient methods to treat it. Adrenomedullin (AM) is an endogenous peptide that maintains vascular tone and endothelial barrier function. The AM plasma level is markedly increased during severe inflammatory disorders, such as sepsis, pneumonia, and COVID-19, and is associated with the severity of inflammation and its prognosis. In this study, exogenous AM administration reduced inflammation and related organ damage in rodent models. The results of this study strongly suggest that AM could be an alternative therapy in severe inflammation disorders, including COVID-19. We have previously developed an AM formulation to treat inflammatory bowel disease and are currently conducting an investigator-initiated phase 2a trial for moderate to severe COVID-19 using the same formulation. This review presents the basal AM information and the most recent translational AM/COVID-19 study.
Therapy of Chronic Viral Hepatitis: The Light at the End of the Tunnel?
Authors: Saracco Giorgio Maria , Marzano Alfredo , Rizzetto Mario
Published: February 2022

Chronic viral hepatitis determines significant morbidity and mortality globally and is caused by three main etiological actors (Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, and Hepatitis D Virus) with different replicative cycles and biological behaviors. Thus, therapies change according to the different characteristics of the viruses. In chronic hepatitis B, long term suppressive treatments with nucleoside/nucleotide analogues have had a dramatic impact on the evolution of liver disease and liver-related complications. However, a conclusive clearance of the virus is difficult to obtain; new strategies that are able to eradicate the infection are currently objects of research. The therapy for Hepatitis D Virus infection is challenging due to the unique virology of the virus, which uses the synthetic machinery of the infected hepatocyte for its own replication and cannot be targeted by conventional antivirals that are active against virus-coded proteins. Recently introduced antivirals, such as bulevertide and lonafarnib, display definite but only partial efficacy in reducing serum HDV-RNA. However, in combination with pegylated interferon, they provide a synergistic therapeutic effect and appear to represent the current best therapy for HDV-positive patients. With the advent of Direct Acting Antiviral Agents (DAAs), a dramatic breakthrough has occurred in the therapeutic scenario of chronic hepatitis C. Cure of HCV infection is achieved in more than 95% of treated patients, irrespective of their baseline liver fibrosis status. Potentially, the goal of global HCV elimination by 2030 as endorsed by the World Health Organization can be obtained if more global subsidised supplies of DAAs are provided.
ICG-Guided Lymphadenectomy during Surgery for Colon and Rectal Cancer—Interim Analysis of the GREENLIGHT Trial
Authors: Ribero Dario , Mento Federica , Sega Valentina , Lo Conte Domenico , Mellano Alfredo , Spinoglio Giuseppe
Published: February 2022

Lymphadenectomy is crucial for an optimal oncologic resection of colon and rectal cancers. However, without a direct visualization, an aberrant route of lymph node (LN) diffusion might remain unresected. Indocyanine-green (ICG) lymphatic mapping permits a real-time LNs visualization. We designed the GREENLIGHT trial to explore in 100 patients undergoing robotic colorectal resection the clinical significance of a D3 ICG-guided lymphadenectomy. The primary endpoint was the number of patients in whom ICG changed the extent of lymphadenectomy. We report herein the interim analysis on the first 70 patients. After endoscopic ICG injection 24 h (n = 49) or 72 h (n = 21) ahead, 19, 20, and 31 patients underwent right colectomy, left colectomy, and anterior rectal resection. The extent of lymphadenectomy changed in 35 (50%) patients, mostly (29 (41.4%)) for the identification of LNs (median two) outside the standard draining basin. Identification of such LNs was less frequent in rectal tumors that had undergone chemoradiotherapy (26.3%) (p > 0.05). A non-significant correlation between time-to-ICG injection and identification of aberrant LNs was observed (48.9% at 24 h vs. 23.8% at 72 h). The presence of LN metastases did not affect a proper fluorescent mapping. These data indicate that ICG lymphatic mapping provides relevant information in 50% of patients, thus increasing the accuracy of potentially curative resections.
Interoceptive Attentiveness Induces Significantly More PFC Activation during a Synchronized Linguistic Task Compared to a Motor Task as Revealed by Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Balconi Michela , Angioletti Laura
Published: February 2022

Currently, there is little understanding of how interoceptive attentiveness (IA) affects brain responses during synchronized cognitive or motor tasks. This pilot study explored the effect of explicit IA manipulation on hemodynamic correlates of simple cognitive tasks implying linguistic or motor synchronization. Eighteen healthy participants completed two linguistic and motor synchronization tasks during explicit IA and control conditions while oxygenated (O2Hb) and deoxygenated (HHb) hemoglobin variations were recorded by functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS). The findings suggested that the brain regions associated with sustained attention, such as the right prefrontal cortex (PFC), were more involved when an explicit focus on the breath was induced during the cognitive linguistic task requiring synchronization with a partner, as indicated by increased O2Hb. Interestingly, this effect was not significant for the motor task. In conclusion, for the first time, this pilot research found increased activity in neuroanatomical regions that promote sustained attention, attention reorientation, and synchronization when a joint task is carried out and the person is focusing on their physiological body reactions. Moreover, the results suggested that the benefits of conscious concentration on physiological interoceptive correlates while executing a task demanding synchronization, particularly verbal alignment, may be related to the right PFC.
Validation of a Light EEG-Based Measure for Real-Time Stress Monitoring during Realistic Driving
Authors: Sciaraffa Nicolina , Di Flumeri Gianluca , Germano Daniele , Giorgi Andrea , Di Florio Antonio , Borghini Gianluca , Vozzi Alessia , Ronca Vincenzo , Varga Rodrigo , van Gasteren Marteyn , Babiloni Fabio , Aricò Pietro
Published: February 2022

Driver’s stress affects decision-making and the probability of risk occurrence, and it is therefore a key factor in road safety. This suggests the need for continuous stress monitoring. This work aims at validating a stress neurophysiological measure—a Neurometric—for out-of-the-lab use obtained from lightweight EEG relying on two wet sensors, in real-time, and without calibration. The Neurometric was tested during a multitasking experiment and validated with a realistic driving simulator. Twenty subjects participated in the experiment, and the resulting stress Neurometric was compared with the Random Forest (RF) model, calibrated by using EEG features and both intra-subject and cross-task approaches. The Neurometric was also compared with a measure based on skin conductance level (SCL), representing one of the physiological parameters investigated in the literature mostly correlated with stress variations. We found that during both multitasking and realistic driving experiments, the Neurometric was able to discriminate between low and high levels of stress with an average Area Under Curve (AUC) value higher than 0.9. Furthermore, the stress Neurometric showed higher AUC and stability than both the SCL measure and the RF calibrated with a cross-task approach. In conclusion, the Neurometric proposed in this work proved to be suitable for out-of-the-lab monitoring of stress levels.
Differences in the Molecular Profile between Primary Breast Carcinomas and Their Cutaneous Metastases
Authors: González-Martínez Silvia , Pizarro David , Pérez-Mies Belén , Caniego-Casas Tamara , Rodríguez-Peralto José , Curigliano Giuseppe , Cortés Alfonso , Gión María , Cortés Javier , Palacios José
Published: February 2022

Background: The characterization of molecular alterations of primary breast carcinomas (BC) and their cutaneous metastases (CM) to identify genes involved in the metastatic process have not yet been completely accomplished. Methods: To investigate the molecular alterations of BC and their CM, a total of 66 samples (33 BC and 33 CM) from 33 patients were analyzed by immunohistochemical and massive parallel sequencing analyses. In addition, the clinicopathological characteristics of patients and tumors were analyzed. Results: Triple negative (TN) BCs were overrepresented (36.4%) among tumors that developed CM. A change of tumor surrogate molecular type in metastases was found in 15% of patients and 48.5% of the CM presented some additional molecular alteration with respect to the primary tumor, the most frequent were amplification of MYC and MDM4, and mutations in TP53 and PIK3CA. Survival was related to histological grade, tumor surrogate molecular type and TP53 mutations in the univariate analysis but only the tumor surrogate molecular type remained as a prognostic factor in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: The TN molecular type has a greater risk of developing skin metastases. There are phenotypic changes and additional molecular alterations in skin metastases compared to the corresponding primary breast tumors in nearly half of the patients. Although these changes do not follow a specific pattern and varied from patient to patient, they could impact on the treatment. More studies with larger patient and sample cohorts are needed.
Diagnostic Performance of a Fecal Immunochemical Test-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Program According to Ambient Temperature and Humidity
Authors: Ibáñez-Sanz Gemma , Milà Núria , Vives Núria , Vidal Carmen , Binefa Gemma , Rocamora Judith , Atencia Carmen , Moreno Víctor , Sanz-Pamplona Rebeca , Garcia Montse ,   on behalf of the MSIC-SC Research Group
Published: February 2022

Exposure of the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) to different ambient temperatures and humidity is unavoidable in population-based screening programs in Southern European countries, and it could lead to a decrease in target colorectal lesions. The objective was to evaluate the effect of ambient temperature and humidity on the FIT sensitivity in a population-based screening program for colorectal cancer (CRC) using an ecological design. The retrospective cohort included individuals aged 50–69 years who participated in CRC screening (Barcelona) from 2010–2015, and were followed until 2017 to identify interval CRCs. The positivity rate, and detection rates for advanced polyps and CRC were compared according to ambient temperature, humidity, and quarters of the year. A positive FIT was defined as the detection of ≥20 μg Hb/g in feces. The monthly ambient temperature and humidity were recorded on the day that the FIT was performed. In total, 92,273 FIT results from 53,860 participants were analyzed. The FIT positivity rate was lower at >24 °C than at ≤24 °C (p = 0.005) but was not affected by humidity. The temperature’s impact on positivity did not lead to a decrease in the FIT detection rate for advanced neoplasia or the interval cancer detection rate in a program where the samples were refrigerated until the analysis and screening invitations were discontinued in July and August.
Long-Term Subjective and Objective Assessment of Smell and Taste in COVID-19
Authors: Ciofalo Andrea , Cavaliere Carlo , Masieri Simonetta , Di Chicco Alessandra , Fatuzzo Irene , Lo Re Federica , Baroncelli Silvia , Begvarfaj Elona , Adduci Andrea , Mezzaroma Ivano , Mastroianni Claudio Maria , de Vincentiis Marco , Greco Antonio , Zamai Loris , Artico Marco
Published: February 2022

Among the first clinical symptoms of the SARS-CoV-2 infection is olfactory–gustatory deficit; this continues for weeks and, in some cases, can be persistent. We prospectively evaluated 162 patients affected by COVID-19 using a visual analogue scale (VAS) for nasal and olfactory–gustatory symptoms. Patients were checked after 7, 14, 21, 28, 90, and 180 days. A total of 118 patients (72.8%) reported an olfactory VAS < 7 at baseline (group B), and 44 (27.2%) reported anosmia (VAS ≥ 7) (group A) and underwent the Brief Smell Identification Test (B-SIT) and Burghart Taste Strips (BTS) to quantify the deficit objectively and repeated the tests to confirm the sense recovery. Group A patients showed B-SIT anosmia and hyposmia in 44.2% and 55.8% of cases, respectively. A total of 88.6% of group A patients reported ageusia with VAS ≥ 7, and BTS confirmed 81.8% of ageusia and 18.2% of hypogeusia. VAS smell recovery was recorded starting from 14 days, with normalization at 28 days. The 28-day B-SIT score showed normosmia in 90.6% of group A patients. The mean time for full recovery (VAS = 0) was shorter in group B (22.9 days) than in group A (31.9 days). Chemosensory deficit is frequently the first symptom in patients with COVID-19, and, in most cases, recovery occurs after four weeks.
Nordentatin Inhibits Neuroblastoma Cell Proliferation and Migration through Regulation of GSK-3 Pathway
Authors: Boonyarat Chantana , Boonput Panatchakorn , Tongloh Nantakorn , Kaewamatawong Rawiwun , Chaiwiwatrakul Suchada , Yenjai Chavi , Waiwut Pornthip
Published: February 2022

Cancer is caused by abnormal cell changes leading to uncontrolled cell growth. The specific characteristics of cancer cells, including the loss of apoptotic control and the ability to migrate into and invade the surrounding tissue, result in cancer cell metastasis to other parts of the body. Therefore, the inhibition of the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells are the principal goals in the treatment of cancer. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory activity of nordentatin, a coumarin derivative isolated from Clausena harmandiana, regarding the proliferation and migration of human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y). Nordentatin at a concentration of 100 µM showed cell cytotoxicity toward SH-SY5Y that was significantly different from that of the control group (p < 0.01) at 24, 48, and 72 h. Moreover, nordentatin inhibited SH-SY5Y proliferation by inhibiting the antiapoptotic protein Mcl-1, leading to the cleavage of caspase-3 and resulting in the inhibition of a migratory protein, MMP-9, through the GSK-3 pathway (compared with cells treated with a GSK inhibitor). These results suggest that nordentatin inhibited the proliferation and migration of neuroblastoma cells through the GSK-3 pathway.
A Boundary-Information-Based Oversampling Approach to Improve Learning Performance for Imbalanced Datasets
Authors: Li Der-Chiang , Shi Qi-Shi , Lin Yao-San , Lin Liang-Sian
Published: February 2022

Oversampling is the most popular data preprocessing technique. It makes traditional classifiers available for learning from imbalanced data. Through an overall review of oversampling techniques (oversamplers), we find that some of them can be regarded as danger-information-based oversamplers (DIBOs) that create samples near danger areas to make it possible for these positive examples to be correctly classified, and others are safe-information-based oversamplers (SIBOs) that create samples near safe areas to increase the correct rate of predicted positive values. However, DIBOs cause misclassification of too many negative examples in the overlapped areas, and SIBOs cause incorrect classification of too many borderline positive examples. Based on their advantages and disadvantages, a boundary-information-based oversampler (BIBO) is proposed. First, a concept of boundary information that considers safe information and dangerous information at the same time is proposed that makes created samples near decision boundaries. The experimental results show that DIBOs and BIBO perform better than SIBOs on the basic metrics of recall and negative class precision; SIBOs and BIBO perform better than DIBOs on the basic metrics for specificity and positive class precision, and BIBO is better than both of DIBOs and SIBOs in terms of integrated metrics.
Implementation of Virtual Training: The Example of a Faculty of Computer Science during COVID-19 for Sustainable Development in Engineering Education
Authors: Rajab Khairan , Hamdi Mohammed , Al Reshan Mana Saleh , Asiri Yousef , Shaikh Asadullah , Rajab Adel
Published: February 2022

Research on faculty engagement in computer science and e-learning environments is limited. Students in computer science majors and courses often cite the lack of engagement of their faculty as a reason for their decision to switch majors, drop out or perform poorly. With the shift to e-learning associated with the current global pandemic, reports of faculty engagement across countries and higher education systems converged to indicate a reduced level of interactivity. Using a cross-sectional sample of 39 lecturers and professors from a southern public university in Saudi Arabia, this manuscript documents empirically the low levels of computer science faculty engagement during the 2020 spring semester (March–May). The study found support for the hypotheses linking higher levels of empathetic instruction, an exhibition of exemplary performance traits, utilization of community building strategies and use of storytelling and students’ engagement. The study also found that many faculties need immediate and significant training on making their online instruction more interactive and exciting. Theoretically, the evidence presented confirms the importance of faculty engagement as the main predictor of desirable students’ outcomes across e-learning, as well as computer science learning environments.
Design, Energy, Environmental and Cost Analysis of an Integrated Collector Storage Solar Water Heater Based on Multi-Criteria Methodology
Authors: Arnaoutakis Nektarios , Vouros Andreas P. , Milousi Maria , Caouris Yannis G. , Panaras Giorgos , Tourlidakis Antonios , Vafiadis Kyriakos , Mihalakakou Giouli , Garoufalis Christos S. , Frontistis Zacharias , Papaefthimiou Spiros , Souliotis Manolis
Published: February 2022

The paper presents a design and operation analysis of an Integrated Collector Storage (ICS) solar water heater, which consists of an asymmetric Compound Parabolic Concentrating (CPC) reflector trough, while the water tank comprises two concentric cylinders. The annulus between these vessels is partially depressurized and contains a small amount of water in the bottom of the outer vessel which dominantly contributes to the heat transfer from the outer to the inner cylinder. A multi-criteria optimization algorithm is applied to re-evaluate the design specifications of the parabolic surface, thus modifying the design of the entire ICS system and predict the necessary number of units for achieving the highest possible effectiveness with minimized fabrication costs and environmental impacts. The environmental footprint of the device is assessed through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The produced thermal energy in conjunction with the environmental and economic results are evaluated as a function of different configuration parameters regarding the water storage conditions, the solar radiation and the total pressure inside the annulus. The ultimate aim of the evaluation process is to offer new perspectives on the design principles of environmentally friendly and cost-effective devices with improved thermal performance.
Relationship between Countries’ Energy Indicators and the Indices of GVC Participation: The Case of APEC Member Economies
Authors: Drobot Elena , Makarov Ivan , Petrenko Yelena , Koshebayeva Gaukhar
Published: February 2022

In the 21st century the importance of global value chains continues to grow. There is a scientific gap in the research on the relationship between countries’ energy indicators and the GVC participation indices. Based on the analysis of the APEC member economies’ GVC participation, the presence of quantifiable links between the countries’ energy indicators and GVC participation indices was identified. APEC member countries have a higher index of forward GVC participation compared to a rather low index of backward participation. We have confirmed the following hypotheses. Countries with higher energy consumption and countries exporting fuel have higher forward GVC participation. Energy importing countries and countries with higher energy intensity have higher backward GVC participation. Countries with higher energy intensity have lower forward GVC participation than countries with lower energy intensity. It was concluded that concerted efforts of APEC member economies are needed to increase GVC sustainability and develop unified energy policy standards. Managerial implications of energy efficient and sustainable GVCs will include competitive advantages growth for all the countries and suppliers participating in a particular GVC.
Machine Learning and Data Mining Applications in Power Systems
Authors: Leonowicz Zbigniew , Jasinski Michal
Published: February 2022

This Special Issue was intended as a forum to advance research and apply machine-learning and data-mining methods in order to facilitate the development of modern electric power systems, grids and devices, smart grids and protection devices, as well as to develop tools for more accurate and efficient power system analysis [...]
Clash Cost Analysis in Electrical Installations Based on BIM Technologies
Authors: Daszczyński Tadeusz , Ostapowski Michał , Szerner Aleksander
Published: February 2022

One of the core features of delivering a Building Information Modelling (BIM) project is design coordination and clash detection. In the traditional way of conducting investments, the design process consists in the separate work of individual industry specialists on an individual part of the project and checking its compliance with coordination checkpoints. Building information modelling/management is emerging as an innovative way to virtually design and manage projects. Clashes are one of the most problematic elements in construction. They can interfere in the decision-making process by generating unexpected costs of additional materials, work and actions. The purpose of the following paper is to analyze the impact of BIM on limiting cost of clashes and also to check how clashes affect the unforeseen costs of a construction investment and how the BIM methodology can help to reduce them, especially in electrical installations. Basic construction collisions with algorithms of their solutions were presented. The possible financial benefits associated with the use of the BIM approach have been described using mathematical relationships.
Politicization of the Hydropower Dams in the Lancang-Mekong Basin: A Review of Contemporary Environmental Challenges
Authors: Grünwald Richard , Wang Wenling , Feng Yan
Published: February 2022

To date, hydropower dams raise numerous interpretations about their impact on the Lancang-Mekong River. While most research studies analyze the negative aspects of hydropower development on people’s livelihoods and local environments, the hydropower sector was historically one of the most iconic economic segments facilitating transboundary water cooperation for decades. By using the constructive discourse analysis and critical political ecology approach, the presented text (1) outlines the current environmental narratives over the Lancang-Mekong hydropower development and (2) explores the politicization of the Chinese mainstream dams. The data were collected upon the multi-level content analysis of relevant sources and double-checked with the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation and Conflict Database (LMCCD) monitoring over 4000 water-related events among six riparian countries between 1990 and 2021. Our data show that (i) there is a stark contrast in positive and negative narratives over the rapid hydropower development, (ii) the impact of mainstream dams on the river is more often discussed than that of tributary dams, (iii) implications of the hydropower dams are often interpreted upon the non-traditional research inputs rather than widely accepted studies, and (iv) developing the contradictory arguments through social and public media contributes to greater polarization of the multi-stakeholders’ viewpoints in the accountable research dialogue.
Influence of the HTS Winding Tape on Limiting the Transient Currents in Superconducting Transformers
Authors: Surdacki Paweł , Woźniak Łukasz
Published: February 2022

The article presents an extended computer model of a HTS (high temperature superconducting) 21 MVA 70/10.5 kV transformer with severalfold compound windings, based on a verified PSpice model of 10 kVA transformer with single windings. Two superconducting tapes: SCS12050 (with a copper stabiliser layer) and SF12050 (without a stabiliser) were used in the windings. The circuit model of the transformer developed in the PSpice environment considers Rhyner’s power law and the Jiles–Atherton description of the magnetic hysteresis loop. Two types of transient states were analysed: switching on a superconducting transformer to the network and an emergency short-circuit of the secondary winding. For the first five unidirectional current pulses generated when connecting an unloaded transformer to the network, the values of the pulse duration (γ angle), the temperature increase in the primary winding as well as the mean and effective values of the switch-on current were calculated. The waveforms of currents, voltages, changes in resistance and temperature during the operation short-circuit were compared for the windings with both types of HTS 2G (high temperature superconductor second generation) tapes. The conducted analysis allowed us to determine the influence of electrical and thermal parameters of the tapes in question on the effective limitation of current in transient states and the possibility of their use in the construction of superconducting transformer windings.
Pro-Ecological Behavior: Empirical Analysis on the Example of Polish Consumers
Authors: Ober Józef , Karwot Janusz
Published: February 2022

Intense economic, social and environmental changes are creating new challenges for both consumers and businesses. Today’s consumer is becoming increasingly conscious of the importance of living in harmony with both ethical standards and the environment. Access to global resources, including utilities such as water, sewage collection, electricity or gas, is so ubiquitous that modern man cannot imagine functioning without them. The aim of this article is to show how the statistical Polish consumer has, or wants to have, an impact on improving the quality of the natural environment by using available resources and technological solutions. The novelty here is the use of the structural equation model (SEM) to build a model of pro-environmental behaviors in relation to the motivating and limiting factors for undertaking such behaviors in Poland. The hypothesis that the statistical Polish consumer undertakes pro-environmental behaviors because of their positive impact on the natural environment was accepted in the study. Due to the complexity of research aspects, a mixed research procedure was applied, in which a literature review was combined with a survey and statistical analysis. For the purpose of the survey, the author’s questionnaire, “Pro-ecological behavior in Poland”, was created. The results of the study confirmed the adopted hypothesis and allowed conclusions to be formulated in which the research questions were answered and factors motivating and limiting pro-ecological activities in Poland were indicated. The factors presented and the model developed can be a signpost for the government of Poland and other European Union countries towards maintaining the current and introducing new reliefs, incentives and education on pro-environmental activities.
Detection and Diagnosis of Dependent Faults That Trigger False Symptoms of Heating and Mechanical Ventilation Systems Using Combined Machine Learning and Rule-Based Techniques
Authors: Bezyan Behrad , Zmeureanu Radu
Published: February 2022

Detection and diagnosis of the malfunction of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems result in more energy efficient systems with a higher level of indoor comfort. The information from the system combined with the artificial intelligence methods contributes to powerful fault detection and diagnosis. The paper presents a novel method for the detection and diagnosis of multiple dependent faults in an air handling unit (AHU) of HVAC system of an institutional building during heating season. The proposed method guided the search for faults, by using the information and operation flow between sensors. Support vector regression (SVR) models, developed from building automation system (BAS) trend data, predicted air temperature of two target sensors, under normal operation conditions without known problems. The fault symptom was detected when the residual of measured and predicted values exceeded the threshold. The recurrent neural network (RNN) models predicted the normal operation values of regressor sensors, which were compared with measurements, as the first step for the identification of fault symptoms. Rule-based models were used for fault diagnosis of sensors or equipment. Results from a case study of an existing building showed the quality of proposed method for the detection and diagnosis of the multiple dependent faults.