bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Status and Future Prospects for Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Sheikh Mahdi , Roshandel Gholamreza , McCormack Valerie , Malekzadeh Reza
Published: January 2023

Esophageal cancer (EC) is the ninth most common cancer and the sixth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) are the two main histological subtypes with distinct epidemiological and clinical features. While the global incidence of ESCC is declining, the incidence of EAC is increasing in many countries. Decades of epidemiologic research have identified distinct environmental exposures for ESCC and EAC subtypes. Recent advances in understanding the genomic aspects of EC have advanced our understanding of EC causes and led to using specific genomic alterations in EC tumors as biomarkers for early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this cancer. Nevertheless, the prognosis of EC is still poor, with a five-year survival rate of less than 20%. Currently, there are significant challenges for early detection and secondary prevention for both ESCC and EAC subtypes, but Cytosponge™ is shifting this position for EAC. Primary prevention remains the preferred strategy for reducing the global burden of EC. In this review, we will summarize recent advances, current status, and future prospects of the studies related to epidemiology, time trends, environmental risk factors, prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment for both EC subtypes.
Exploiting the Stemness and Chemoresistance Transcriptome of Ewing Sarcoma to Identify Candidate Therapeutic Targets and Drug-Repurposing Candidates
Authors: Roundhill Elizabeth Ann , Pantziarka Pan , Liddle Danielle E. , Shaw Lucy A. , Albadrani Ghadeer , Burchill Susan Ann
Published: January 2023

Outcomes for most patients with Ewing sarcoma (ES) have remained unchanged for the last 30 years, emphasising the need for more effective and tolerable treatments. We have hypothesised that using small-molecule inhibitors to kill the self-renewing chemotherapy-resistant cells (Ewing sarcoma cancer stem-like cells; ES-CSCs) responsible for progression and relapse could improve outcomes and minimise treatment-induced morbidities. For the first time, we demonstrate that ABCG1, a potential oncogene in some cancers, is highly expressed in ES-CSCs independently of CD133. Using functional models, transcriptomics and a bespoke in silico drug-repurposing pipeline, we have prioritised a group of tractable small-molecule inhibitors for further preclinical studies. Consistent with the cellular origin of ES, 21 candidate molecular targets of pluripotency, stemness and chemoresistance were identified. Small-molecule inhibitors to 13 of the 21 molecular targets (62%) were identified. POU5F1/OCT4 was the most promising new therapeutic target in Ewing sarcoma, interacting with 10 of the 21 prioritised molecular targets and meriting further study. The majority of small-molecule inhibitors (72%) target one of two drug efflux proteins, p-glycoprotein (n = 168) or MRP1 (n = 13). In summary, we have identified a novel cell surface marker of ES-CSCs and cancer/non-cancer drugs to targets expressed by these cells that are worthy of further preclinical evaluation. If effective in preclinical models, these drugs and drug combinations might be repurposed for clinical evaluation in patients with ES.
RIPK1 Regulates Microglial Activation in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Neuroinflammation and MPTP-Induced Parkinson’s Disease Mouse Models
Authors: Kim Do-Yeon , Leem Yea-Hyun , Park Jin-Sun , Park Jung-Eun , Park Jae-Min , Kang Jihee Lee , Kim Hee-Sun
Published: January 2023

Increasing evidence suggests a pivotal role of receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), an initiator of necroptosis, in neuroinflammation. However, the precise role of RIPK1 in microglial activation remains unclear. In the present study, we explored the role of RIPK1 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD model mice by using RIPK1-specific inhibitors necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) and necrostatin-1 stable (Nec-1s). Nec-1/Nec-1s or RIPK1 siRNA inhibited the production of proinflammatory molecules and the phosphorylation of RIPK1-RIPK3-MLKL and cell death in LPS-induced inflammatory or LPS/QVD/BV6-induced necroptotic conditions of BV2 microglial cells. Detailed mechanistic studies showed that Nec-1/Nec-1s exerted anti-inflammatory effects by modulating AMPK, PI3K/Akt, MAPKs, and NF-κB signaling pathways in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Subsequent in vivo studies showed that Nec-1/Nec-1s inhibited microglial activation and proinflammatory gene expression by inhibiting the RIPK1 phosphorylation in the brains of LPS-injected mice. Furthermore, Nec-1/Nec-1s exert neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in MPTP-induced PD mice. We found that p-RIPK1 is mainly expressed in microglia, and thus RIPK1 may contribute to neuroinflammation and subsequent cell death of dopaminergic neurons in MPTP-induced PD model mice. These data suggest that RIPK1 is a key regulator of microglial activation in LPS-induced neuroinflammation and MPTP-induced PD mice.
Survival Mechanisms of Metastatic Melanoma Cells: The Link between Glucocorticoids and the Nrf2-Dependent Antioxidant Defense System
Authors: Obrador Elena , Salvador-Palmer Rosario , López-Blanch Rafael , Oriol-Caballo María , Moreno-Murciano Paz , Estrela José M.
Published: January 2023

Circulating glucocorticoids increase during stress. Chronic stress, characterized by a sustained increase in serum levels of cortisol, has been associated in different cases with an increased risk of cancer and a worse prognosis. Glucocorticoids can promote gluconeogenesis, mobilization of amino acids, fat breakdown, and impair the body’s immune response. Therefore, conditions that may favor cancer growth and the acquisition of radio- and chemo-resistance. We found that glucocorticoid receptor knockdown diminishes the antioxidant protection of murine B16-F10 (highly metastatic) melanoma cells, thus leading to a drastic decrease in their survival during interaction with the vascular endothelium. The BRAFV600E mutation is the most commonly observed in melanoma patients. Recent studies revealed that VMF/PLX40-32 (vemurafenib, a selective inhibitor of mutant BRAFV600E) increases mitochondrial respiration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in BRAFV600E human melanoma cell lines. Early-stage cancer cells lacking Nrf2 generate high ROS levels and exhibit a senescence-like growth arrest. Thus, it is likely that a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (RU486) could increase the efficacy of BRAF-related therapy in BRAFV600E-mutated melanoma. In fact, during early progression of skin melanoma metastases, RU486 and VMF induced metastases regression. However, treatment at an advanced stage of growth found resistance to RU486 and VMF. This resistance was mechanistically linked to overexpression of proteins of the Bcl-2 family (Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 in different human models). Moreover, melanoma resistance was decreased if AKT and NF-κB signaling pathways were blocked. These findings highlight mechanisms by which metastatic melanoma cells adapt to survive and could help in the development of most effective therapeutic strategies.
Impact of Hard and Soft Reinforcements on the Microstructure, Mechanical, and Physical Properties of the Surface Composite Matrix Manufactured by Friction Stir Processing
Authors: Abushanab Waheed , Moustafa Essam , Ghandourah Emad , Hussein Hossameldin , Taha Mohammed , Mosleh Ahmed
Published: January 2023

This work studies the effect of incorporating a mix of reinforcement particles of a hard and soft nature on the microstructure and mechanical and physical properties of a high-strength aluminum alloy, AA7075. A friction stir processing technique was used for compositing the surface of this alloy. The vanadium carbide (VC) was selected to be the hard reinforcement, while the boron nitride (BN) and graphene nanoplates (GNPs) were chosen as soft reinforcements. Mono VC, hybrid reinforcements combined of 50 vol.% VC and 50 vol.% BN, and triple reinforcements combined of 33.4 vol.% VC, 33.3 vol.% BN, and 33.3 vol.% GNPs were used for producing the composites. Intensive grain refinement was observed, 930%, in the composite with triple reinforcements. The microhardness and the ultimate compressive strength were improved and reached b0, 29%, respectively, in composites that contained GNPs. The thermal properties were significantly improved, and the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) and thermal conductivity decreased to 88% and 15%, respectively. The composite’s electrical conductivity was decreased by 58% with triple reinforcements.
Challenges and Perspectives of Open Data in Modelling Infectious Diseases
Authors: Branda Francesco , Lodi Giorgia
Published: January 2023

The pandemic challenged the scientific community and governments around the world, who were looking for real-time answers but lacked the data or evidence to guide decision-making [...]
Diagnostic, Structured Classification and Therapeutic Approach in Cystic Pancreatic Lesions: Systematic Findings with Regard to the European Guidelines
Authors: Kloth Christopher , Haggenmüller Benedikt , Beck Annika , Wagner Martin , Kornmann Marko , Steinacker Jochen P. , Steinacker-Stanescu Nora , Vogele Daniel , Beer Meinrad , Juchems Markus S. , Schmidt Stefan A.
Published: January 2023

Due to the increasing use of cross-sectional imaging techniques and new technical possibilities, the number of incidentally detected cystic lesions of the pancreas is rapidly increasing in everyday radiological routines. Precise and rapid classification, including targeted therapeutic considerations, is of essential importance. The new European guideline should also support this. This review article provides information on the spectrum of cystic pancreatic lesions, their appearance, and a comparison of morphologic and histologic characteristics. This is done in the context of current literature and clinical value. The recommendations of the European guidelines include statements on conservative management as well as relative and absolute indications for surgery in cystic lesions of the pancreas. The guidelines suggest surgical resection for mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) ≥ 40 mm; furthermore, for symptomatic MCN or imaging signs of malignancy, this is recommended independent of its size (grade IB recommendation). For main duct IPMNs (intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms), surgical therapy is always recommended; for branch duct IPMNs, a number of different risk criteria are applicable to evaluate absolute or relative indications for surgery. Based on imaging characteristics of the most common cystic pancreatic lesions, a precise diagnostic classification of the tumor, as well as guidance for further treatment, is possible through radiology.
A Role for Mast Cell-Mediated Antibodies in the Formation of Cholesteatoma and Cholesteatoma-Induced Bone Erosion
Authors: Özdemir Çiğdem , Kuzu Selçuk , Şenol Yiğit , Yiğit Tuba , Güldün Erol , Bucak Abdulkadir , Ulu Şahin , Tokyol Çiğdem
Published: January 2023

The study aimed to evaluate the effects and relationships between mast cells in the matrix, mast cell enzymes tryptase and chymase, epithelial proliferation, microvascular density, and bone destruction in cholesteatoma. Thirty-five biopsies diagnosed with cholesteatoma and seven healthy skin tissues taken from the retro-auricular region for control were evaluated. Immunohistochemical studies were performed with CD117, CD34, Ki-67, chymase, and tryptase antibodies, in a single session for all cases and the control group. The relationship between erosion size and antibody load was determined. The mean cholesteatoma epithelium Ki-67 was higher than the control group (p < 0.001). CD117-positive mast cells, chymase-positive mast cells, tryptase-positive mast cells, and microvessel density were significantly higher in the cholesteatoma matrix compared to the control group (p < 0.002, p < 0.001, p < 0.005). In the group with bone erosion scores of two and above, immunohistochemical markers tended to be higher. A positive correlation was found between CD117 and chymase, tryptase, and microvessel density; between tryptase, chymase, and microvessel density; and between chymase and microvessel density. CD117-positive mast cells and chymase-positive mast cells stimulate angiogenesis, increase the epithelium’s proliferative capacity in the cholesteatoma matrix, and form cholesteatoma. The increased proliferation of cholesteatoma epithelium and increased vascular density in the matrix exacerbate bone erosion.
Schneiderian Membrane Collateral Damage Caused by Collagenated and Non-Collagenated Xenografts: A Histological Study in Rabbits
Authors: Nakajima Yasushi , Botticelli Daniele , De Rossi Ermenegildo Federico , Ferreira Balan Vitor , Pires Godoy Eduardo , Ricardo Silva Erick , Xavier Samuel Porfirio
Published: January 2023

Background: The Schneiderian membrane (SM) that is in contact with biomaterial granules may become thinner and eventually perforate. It has been shown that these events are related to the biomaterial used. Hence, the main aim of the present study was to compare the damaging effects of two xenografts with different resorbability rates on SM. The secondary aim was to evaluate the possible protection from damage offered by a collagen membrane placed adjacent to the SM and by inward displacement of the bone window with the SM during elevation. Methods: Thirty-six albino New Zealand rabbits underwent bilateral sinus elevation. One group of 18 animals received deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM group) and the other received swine-collagenated corticocancellous bone (collagenated group). Moreover, in the DBBM group, the bone window was displaced inward during elevation in one sinus together with the SM. In the collagenated group, a collagen membrane was placed adjacent to the SM in one sinus. Six animals were assessed per period after 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Results: The mean pristine mucosa width ranged between 67 µm and 113 µm, and none had a width of <40 µm. In the 2-week group, the elevated mucosa of the DBBM group presented 59 thinned sites and five perforations, while in the collagenated group, 14 thinned sites and one perforation were observed. Damage to SM decreased in number in the 4-week treatment group. In the 8-week group, the number of thinned sites in the DBBM group increased to 124, and the perforations to 8. In the collagenated group, 7 thinned sites and 1 small perforation were observed. Conclusions: More damage to the Schneiderian membrane was observed in the DBBM group than in the collagenated group. The presence of the inward bone window offered protection from damage to the Schneiderian membrane.
Improved Transformer-Based Dual-Path Network with Amplitude and Complex Domain Feature Fusion for Speech Enhancement
Authors: Ye Moujia , Wan Hongjie
Published: January 2023

Most previous speech enhancement methods only predict amplitude features, but more and more studies have proved that phase information is crucial for speech quality. Recently, there have also been some methods to choose complex features, but complex masks are difficult to estimate. Removing noise while maintaining good speech quality at low signal-to-noise ratios is still a problem. This study proposes a dual-path network structure for speech enhancement that can model complex spectra and amplitudes simultaneously, and introduces an attention-aware feature fusion module to fuse the two features to facilitate overall spectrum recovery. In addition, we improve a transformer-based feature extraction module that can efficiently extract local and global features. The proposed network achieves better performance than the baseline models in experiments on the Voice Bank + DEMAND dataset. We also conducted ablation experiments to verify the effectiveness of the dual-path structure, the improved transformer, and the fusion module, and investigated the effect of the input-mask multiplication strategy on the results.
Applying Scrum in an Online Physics II Undergraduate Course: Effect on Student Progression and Soft Skills Development
Authors: Lourakis Emmanuel , Petridis Konstantinos
Published: January 2023

The everchanging higher education landscape dictates the need for innovative, engaging, and efficient teaching methods along with promoting soft skills among the students. Scrum’s framework for effective group work and its methodology tools is a perfect fit to this end since it has been previously applied in higher education for enhancing collaborative learning and developing skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem solving. This paper describes how Scrum was used remotely for a small portion of the students enrolled in an online Physics II undergraduate course during the pandemic lockdown period of an Electronic Engineering School. The primary goal was to investigate the feasibility of Scrum under remote teaching conditions as a facilitator of collaborative group learning. A secondary objective was to observe the students’ interactive engagement in distance learning, along with the possible advancement of soft skills. The paper concludes with the result analysis of the feedback collected from the teachers and the students involved in this study.
Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Hendr Amna , Ozgunalp Umar , Erbilek Kaya Meryem
Published: January 2023

Autism spectrum disorder as a condition has posed significant early diagnosis challenges to the medical and health community for a long time. The early diagnosis of ASD is crucial for early intervention and adequate management of the condition. Several kinds of literature have shown that children with ASD have varying degrees of challenges in handwriting tasks; hence, this research has proposed the creation of a handwritten dataset of both ASD and non-ASD subjects for deep learning classification. The created dataset is based on a series of handwritten tasks given to subjects such as drawing and writing. The dataset was used to propose a deep learning automated ASD diagnosis method. Using the GoogleNet transfer learning algorithm, each handwritten task in the dataset is trained and classified for each subject. This is done because in real-life scenarios an ASD subject may not comply to performing and finishing all handwritten tasks. Using a training and testing ratio of 80:20, a total of 104 subjects’ handwritten tasks were used as input for training and classification, and it is shown that the proposed approach can correctly classify ASD with an accuracy of 90.48%, where sensitivity, specificity, and F1 score are calculated as 80%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. The results of our proposed method exhibit an impressive performance and indicate that the use of handwritten tasks has a significant potential for the early diagnosis of ASD.
Research on Extended Target-Tracking Algorithms of Sea Surface Navigation Radar
Authors: Tian Feng , Zhang Haoyu , Fu Weibo
Published: January 2023

To solve the problem of false tracks generated by breakdowns and clutter in point-target tracking in polar coordinates, a fusion tracking algorithm based on a converted measurement Kalman filter and random matrix expansion is proposed. The converted measurement Kalman filter (CMKF) transforms the polar coordinate data of the target at the current time into Cartesian coordinates without bias. Based on linear measurements and states, the position of the extended target and the group target was predicted and updated by using a random matrix, and its track was drawn by combining the nearest neighbors to realize the tracking of the size, shape and azimuth of the extended target. Compared with point-target tracking, the accuracy of extended multi-target tracking was increased by 45.8% based on data measured using NAVICO navigation radar aboard ships at sea. The experimental results showed that the improved method in this paper could effectively reduce the interference of clutter on target tracking and provide more information about the target motion features.
Comparative Study on Boiling Heat Transfer Characteristics and Performance of Low-Temperature Heating System of R744 and Its Azeotropic Refrigerant
Authors: Sun Dahan , Zhang Xin , Liu Zhongyan , Zhang Hao
Published: January 2023

R744 is the most competitive and ideal natural refrigerant when flammability and toxicity are strictly limited. However, there are still some problems when it is applied to a heating system. For example, the discharge pressure of the system exceeds 10 MPa, it increases the cost of the system, and the cycle efficiency is also low. To solve these problems, this paper proposes to replace R744 by mixing R744 and ethane at a ratio of (77.6/22.4) to form an azeotropic refrigerant. At present, there is little research on R744 azeotropic refrigerant. Therefore, this paper first establishes the CFD model and compiles the UDF program to focus on flow boiling heat transfer characteristics, and then, it analyzes the performance of R744 and its azeotropic refrigerant in a low-temperature heating system. The results show that the heat transfer coefficient of R744 and its azeotropic refrigerant decreases with an increase in mass flux and increases with an increase in heat flux and saturation temperature; the heat transfer coefficient of azeotropic refrigerant is greater than R744; and there is no dryness under the same conditions. Under a given operating condition, there is a critical point that makes the performance of azeotropic refrigerant better than R744, and this critical point is related to the outlet temperature of a gas cooler, and the system discharge temperature of azeotropic refrigerant is significantly lower than that of R744. In conclusion, azeotropic refrigerant has certain advantages in heat transfer and system performance compared with R744, which will also play an important role in promoting the replacement of refrigerant in the future.
Reducing CO2 in Passivhaus-Adapted Affordable Tropical Homes
Authors: Wagner Karl
Published: January 2023

On average, houses including those in the tropics are responsible for almost 39% of the global carbon emission caused by non-renewables, first and foremost by fuel. Looking at the worldwide map of residential buildings’ contribution compared with commercial, the worldwide national maximum of 33.5% CO2 of housing is caused by residential buildings in Uzbekistan. In an overwhelming number of most countries, their values are significantly lower, due to comparably lower energy demand than commercial buildings and because affordable homes increasingly use small PV to cater for their own basic needs. However, with the rising temperature and a likewise growing imperative to cool homes from about 30 °C onwards basically by split-unit air conditioners, the residential houses’ portion of CO2-emission might dramatically increase to survive such more common hot periods in the future. In combination with air conditioners needing some airtightness, the first purpose of this entry is to show that bv 2050 in tropical regions, there will be no alternative to relatively airtight houses if the temperatures rise at the present speed. This is one alternative to an uncontrollable and life-threatening migration of millions of people to cooler but still livable regions in 2050. To trigger necessary changes toward homes that can better avert the heat, using the method of qualitative comparative content analysis, passive houses (PH) have emerged as adaptations to the tropical climate. Therefore, the second purpose of this in-depth study with the perspective of social science, is to reveal a comparative closer qualitative look at the tropicalized PH-approach. It is probably the most civilized building energy-saving strategy on the planet and can systematically keep the threatening increasing heat outside. However, before utilizing the concept, herein need to investigate why PH-technology as a whole concept with all its modules discussed earlier has been very slow to “go South” into the tropical region (the original PH will be referred to as “PH1”). The reason is that some qualitative differences of the more affordable and more simplistic tropicalized “PH2” make it easier and more realistic to penetrate the market, without letting go meaningful R&D-insights of PH1. As a probably facilitating future solution, the result is the triple-tabled option to utilise more synergies between the usually closed PH1 and the more open and flexibly naturally ventilated PH2. Unlike the PH-platform, ZEMCH is a related concept which tries to cater specifically to the significantly growing market for lower-income homes to go for carbonless energy. The conclusion is that scaling for residential buildings as mass products using passive house technology in combination with ZEMCH could turn out to become an important topic. It comprises the question in how far low or no carbon affordable homes based on the PH-concept in combination with ZEMCH-applications also may come into play as standard and to help mother Earth’s struggle for survival.
Influence of Thermo-Mechanical Densification (TMD) on the Properties of Structural Sawn Timber (Pinus sylvestris L.)
Authors: Grześkiewicz Marek , Krzosek Sławomir , Burawska Izabela , Borysiuk Piotr , Mańkowski Piotr
Published: January 2023

The article presents the results of thermo-mechanical densification tests conducted on Scots pine timber. The densification process was carried out in industrial conditions with a high-pressure press, which allowed flat compression of boards that were up to 2.5 m long. A phenomenon of elastic redeformations was observed in the densified boards after each pulse of compression. As a result of thermo-mechanical compression, the average timber moisture content dropped to 9%, and the average density increased by 13.5%, from the level of 547 to 621 kg/m3. As a result of thermo-mechanical densification, the strength class C of most Scots pine timber pieces improved. Most timber pieces that were subjected to thermo-mechanical densification have improved their strength class, C, by one (72.7% of the tested batch) or two C classes (3.6% of the batch under study).
Assessing the Heterogeneity and Conservation Status of the Natura 2000 Priority Forest Habitat Type Tilio–Acerion (9180*) Based on Field Mapping
Authors: Kermavnar Janez , Kozamernik Erika , Kutnar Lado
Published: January 2023

Priority habitat types (HTs) within the Natura 2000 network are of the highest importance for conservation in Europe. However, they often occur in smaller areas and their conservation status is not well understood. One such HT is that of the Tilio–Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines (9180*). The Natura 2000 study site, Boč–Haloze–Donačka gora, in the Sub-Pannonian region of eastern Slovenia is characterized by a matrix of European beech forests and includes rather small, fragmented areas covered by Tilio–Acerion forests. The goal of this research was to examine the heterogeneity and conservation status of the selected HT through field mapping, which was performed in the summer of 2020. As the conservation of HT calls for a more detailed approach, we distinguished between the following four pre-defined habitat subtypes: (i) Acer pseudoplatanus-Ulmus glabra stands growing mostly in concave terrain, (ii) Fraxinus excelsior stands growing on slopes, (iii) Tilia sp. stands with thermophilous broadleaves occurring on ridges and slopes, (iv) Acer pseudoplatanus stands occurring on more acidic soils with an admixture of Castanea sativa. Field mapping information was complemented with the assessment of habitat subtype characteristics using remote sensing data. The results showed that habitat subtypes differed significantly in terms of area, tree species composition, forest stand characteristics, relief features and the various threats they experienced (e.g., fragmentation, tree mortality, ungulate browsing pressure). The differences between subtypes were also evident for LiDAR-derived environmental factors related to topography (i.e., terrain steepness and Topographic Position Index). This study provides a baseline for setting more realistic objectives for the conservation management of priority forest HTs. Due to the specificities of each individual habitat subtype, conservation activities should be targeted to the Natura 2000 habitat subtype level.
A TOSCA-Based Conceptual Architecture to Support the Federation of Heterogeneous MSaaS Infrastructures
Authors: Bocciarelli Paolo , D’Ambrogio Andrea
Published: January 2023

Modeling and simulation (M&S) techniques are effectively used in many application domains to support various operational tasks ranging from system analyses to innovative training activities. Any (M&S) effort might strongly benefit from the adoption of service orientation and cloud computing to ease the development and provision of M&S applications. Such an emerging paradigm is commonly referred to as M&S-as-a-Service (MSaaS). The need for orchestrating M&S services provided by different partners in a heterogeneous cloud infrastructure introduces new challenges. In this respect, the adoption of an effective architectural approach might significantly help the design and development of MSaaS infrastructure implementations that cooperate in a federated environment. In this context, this work introduces a MSaaS reference architecture (RA) that aims to investigate innovative approaches to ease the building of inter-cloud MSaaS applications. Moreover, this work presents ArTIC-MS, a conceptual architecture that refines the proposed RA for introducing the TOSCA (topology and orchestration specification for cloud applications) standard. ArTIC-MS’s main objective is to enable effective portability and interoperability among M&S services provided by different partners in heterogeneous federations of cloud-based MSaaS infrastructure. To show the validity of the proposed architectural approach, the results of concrete experimentation are provided.
Fire Characterization by Using an Original RST-Based Approach for Fire Radiative Power (FRP) Computation
Authors: Filizzola Carolina , Falconieri Alfredo , Lacava Teodosio , Marchese Francesco , Masiello Guido , Mazzeo Giuseppe , Pergola Nicola , Pietrapertosa Carla , Serio Carmine , Tramutoli Valerio
Published: January 2023

Fire radiative power (FRP) is a basic parameter for fire characterization since it represents the heat emission rate of fires. Moreover, its temporal integration (fire radiative energy, FRE) is used as a proxy for estimating biomass burning and emissions. From satellite, FRP is generally computed by comparing the Medium InfraRed (MIR) signal of the fire pixel with the background value on the event image. Such an approach is possibly affected by some issues due to fire extent, clouds and smoke over the event area. The enlargement of the background window is the commonly used gimmick to face these issues. However, it may include unrepresentative signals of the fire pixel because of very different land use/cover. In this paper, the alternative Background Radiance Estimator by a Multi-temporal Approach (BREMA), based on the Robust Satellite Technique (RST), is proposed to characterize background and compute FRP. The approach is presented using data from the Spinning Enhanced Visible and InfraRed Imager (SEVIRI) onboard the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) platform. Moreover, BREMA is here combined with the RST-FIRES (RST for FIRES detection) technique for fire pixel identification and the σ-SEVIRI retrieval algorithm for transmittance evaluation. Results compared to the operational SEVIRI-based FRP-PIXEL product, although highly correlated in terms of background radiance (r2 = 0.95) and FRP values (r2 = 0.96), demonstrated a major capability of BREMA to estimate background radiances regardless of cloudiness or smoke presence during the event and independently on fire extent. The possible impact of the proposed approach on the estimates of CO2 emissions was also evaluated for comparison with the Global Fire Emissions Database (GFED4s).
Accurate Classification of Chunmee Tea Grade Using NIR Spectroscopy and Fuzzy Maximum Uncertainty Linear Discriminant Analysis
Authors: Wu Xiaohong , He Fei , Wu Bin , Zeng Shupeng , He Chengyu
Published: January 2023

The grade of tea is closely related to tea quality, so the identification of tea grade is an important task. In order to improve the identification capability of the tea grade system, a fuzzy maximum uncertainty linear discriminant analysis (FMLDA) methodology was proposed based on maximum uncertainty linear discriminant analysis (MLDA). Based on FMLDA, a tea grade recognition system was established for the grade recognition of Chunmee tea. The process of this system is as follows: firstly, the near-infrared (NIR) spectra of Chunmee tea were collected using a Fourier transform NIR spectrometer. Next, the spectra were preprocessed using standard normal variables (SNV). Then, direct linear discriminant analysis (DLDA), maximum uncertainty linear discriminant analysis (MLDA), and FMLDA were used for feature extraction of the spectra, respectively. Finally, the k-nearest neighbor (KNN) classifier was applied to classify the spectra. The k in KNN and the fuzzy coefficient, m, were discussed in the experiment. The experimental results showed that when k = 1 and m = 2.7 or 2.8, the accuracy of the FMLDA could reach 98.15%, which was better than the other two feature extraction methods. Therefore, FMLDA combined with NIR technology is an effective method in the identification of tea grade.
Construction of a Molecularly Imprinted Sensor Modified with Tea Branch Biochar and Its Rapid Detection of Norfloxacin Residues in Animal-Derived Foods
Authors: Chen Shujuan , Zhu Yiting , Han Jing , Zhang Tianyi , Chou Runwen , Liu Aiping , Liu Shuliang , Yang Yong , Hu Kaidi , Zou Likou
Published: January 2023

Norfloxacin (NOR) is a common antibiotic used in humans and animals, and its high levels can cause intolerance or poisoning. Therefore, NOR levels in animal-derived foods must be monitored due to potential side effects and illegal use phenomena. This research centered on the development of an environmentally friendly electrochemical sensor for NOR detection. Potassium carbonate activated tea branch biochar (K-TBC) as an efficient use of waste was coated on the surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE), and a molecular-imprinted polymer (MIP) layer was subsequently electropolymerized onto the modified electrode. NOR was used as template molecule and o-phenylenediamine (o-PD) and o-aminophenol (o-AP) were used as bifunctional monomers. The electrochemical sensor was built and its electrochemical behavior on NOR was investigated. The sensor demonstrated an excellent linear current response to NOR concentrations in the ranges of 0.1–0.5 nM and 0.5–100 nM under ideal experimental circumstances, with a detection limit of 0.028 nM (S/N = 3). With recoveries ranging from 85.90% to 101.71%, the designed sensor was effectively used to detect NOR in actual samples of milk, honey, and pork. Besides, the fabricated sensor had low price, short detection time, good selectivity and stability, which can provide a theoretical and practical basis for the actual monitoring of NOR residues.
Aflatoxins in Maize from Serbia and Croatia: Implications of Climate Change
Authors: Pleadin Jelka , Kos Jovana , Radić Bojana , Vulić Ana , Kudumija Nina , Radović Radmila , Janić Hajnal Elizabet , Mandić Anamarija , Anić Mislav
Published: January 2023

Aflatoxins (AFs) represent the most important mycotoxin group, whose presence in food and feed poses significant global health and economic issues. The occurrence of AFs in maize is a burning problem worldwide, mainly attributed to droughts. In recent years, Serbia and Croatia faced climate changes followed by a warming trend. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to estimate the influence of weather on AFs occurrence in maize from Serbia and Croatia in the 2018–2021 period. The results indicate that hot and dry weather witnessed in the year 2021 resulted in the highest prevalence of AFs in maize samples in both Serbia (84%) and Croatia (40%). In maize harvested in 2018–2020, AFs occurred in less than, or around, 10% of Serbian and 20% of Croatian samples. In order to conduct a comprehensive study on the implications of climate change for the occurrence of AFs in maize grown in these two countries, the results of available studies performed in the last thirteen years were searched for and discussed.
Evaluation of Dynamic Changes and Regularity of Volatile Flavor Compounds for Different Green Plum (Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc) Varieties during the Ripening Process by HS-GC–IMS with PLS-DA
Authors: Liu Haocheng , Yu Yuanshan , Zou Bo , Yu Yangyang , Yang Jiguo , Xu Yujuan , Chen Xiaowei , Yang Fan
Published: January 2023

Headspace gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry and partial-least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were adopted to analyze the rule of change in flavor substances for different varieties of green plums at different levels of maturity (S1—immature, S2—commercially mature, and S3—fully mature). The results showed that 68 kinds of volatile flavor substances were identified in all green plum samples. The types and contents of such volatile substances experienced a V-shaped trend with an increasing degree of green plum maturity. During the S1 and S2 stages, aldehydes, ketones, and a small amount of alcohols were the main volatile flavor substances in the green plum samples. During the S3 stage, esters and alcohols were the most important volatile flavor components in the green plum pulp samples, followed by terpenes and ketones. YS had the most types and highest contents of volatile flavor substances in three stages, followed by GC and DZ. By using the PLS-DA method, this study revealed the differences in flavor of the different varieties of green plums at different maturity stages, and it identified eight common characteristic volatile flavor substances, such as ethyl acetate, 3-methylbutan-1-ol, and 2-propanone, produced by the different green plum samples during the ripening process, as well as the characteristic flavor substances of green plums at each maturity stage (S1–S3).
Analysis of Hopf–Hopf Interactions Induced by Multiple Delays for Inertial Hopfield Neural Models
Authors: Ge Juhong
Published: January 2023

The investigation of dynamic behaviors of inertial neural networks depicted by second-order delayed differential equations has received considerable attention. Substantial research has been performed on the transformed first-order differential equations using traditional variable substitution. However, there are few studies on bifurcation dynamics using direct analysis. In this paper, a multi-delay Hopfield neural system with inertial couplings is considered. The perturbation scheme and non-reduced order technique are firstly combined into studying multi-delay induced Hopf–Hopf singularity. This combination avoids tedious computation and overcomes the disadvantages of the traditional variable-substitution reduced-order method. In the neighbor of Hopf–Hopf interaction points, interesting dynamics are found on the plane of self-connected delay and coupled delay. Multiple delays can induce the switching of stable periodic oscillation and periodic coexistence. The explicit expressions of periodic solutions are obtained. The validity of theoretical results is shown through consistency with numerical simulations.
The Fractional Discrete Predator–Prey Model: Chaos, Control and Synchronization
Authors: Saadeh Rania , Abbes Abderrahmane , Al-Husban Abdallah , Ouannas Adel , Grassi Giuseppe
Published: January 2023

This paper describes a new fractional predator–prey discrete system of the Leslie type. In addition, the non-linear dynamics of the suggested model are examined within the framework of commensurate and non-commensurate orders, using different numerical techniques such as Lyapunov exponent, phase portraits, and bifurcation diagrams. These behaviours imply that the fractional predator–prey discrete system of Leslie type has rich and complex dynamical properties that are influenced by commensurate and incommensurate orders. Moreover, the sample entropy test is carried out to measure the complexity and validate the presence of chaos. Finally, nonlinear controllers are illustrated to stabilize and synchronize the proposed model.
Public Health Genetics: Surveying Preparedness for the Next Generation of Public Health Professionals
Authors: Jacko Anastasia M. , Durst Andrea L. , Niemchick Karen L. , Modell Stephen M. , Ponte Amy H.
Published: January 2023

Since the Human Genome Project’s completion in 2003, the need for increased population genetic literacy has grown exponentially. To address this need, public health professionals must be educated appropriately to serve the public best. This study examines the current state of public health genetics education within existing master of public health (MPH) programs. A total of 171 MPH Council on Education for Public Health Accreditation (CEPH)-accredited programs across the nation were identified via a preliminary internet search. The American Public Health Association (APHA) Genomics Forum Policy Committee created 14 survey questions to assess the current status of incorporating genetics/genomics education within MPH programs. Using the Qualtrics survey system through the University of Pittsburgh, a link to the anonymous survey was sent to each director’s email address obtained from their program’s website. There were 41 survey responses, with 37 finished to completion, for a response rate of 21.6% (37/171). A total of 75.7% (28/37) of respondents reported having courses containing genetics/genomics information in their programs’ coursework. Only 12.6% reported such coursework to be required for program completion. Commonly listed barriers to incorporating genetics/genomics include limited faculty knowledge and lack of space in existing courses and programs. Survey results revealed the incongruous and limited incorporation of genetics/genomics within the context of graduate-level public health education. While most recorded programs report offering public health genetics coursework, the extent and requirement of such instruction are not considered necessary for program completion, thereby potentially limiting the genetic literacy of the current pool of public health professionals.
Phenotypic Assessment of Pathogenic Variants in GNAO1 and Response to Caffeine in C. elegans Models of the Disease
Authors: Di Rocco Martina , Galosi Serena , Follo Francesca C. , Lanza Enrico , Folli Viola , Martire Alberto , Leuzzi Vincenzo , Martinelli Simone
Published: January 2023

De novo mutations affecting the G protein α o subunit (Gαo)-encoding gene (GNAO1) cause childhood-onset developmental delay, hyperkinetic movement disorders, and epilepsy. Recently, we established Caenorhabditis elegans as an informative experimental model for deciphering pathogenic mechanisms associated with GNAO1 defects and identifying new therapies. In this study, we generated two additional gene-edited strains that harbor pathogenic variants which affect residues Glu246 and Arg209—two mutational hotspots in Gαo. In line with previous findings, biallelic changes displayed a variable hypomorphic effect on Gαo-mediated signaling that led to the excessive release of neurotransmitters by different classes of neurons, which, in turn, caused hyperactive egg laying and locomotion. Of note, heterozygous variants showed a cell-specific dominant-negative behavior, which was strictly dependent on the affected residue. As with previously generated mutants (S47G and A221D), caffeine was effective in attenuating the hyperkinetic behavior of R209H and E246K animals, indicating that its efficacy is mutation-independent. Conversely, istradefylline, a selective adenosine A2A receptor antagonist, was effective in R209H animals but not in E246K worms, suggesting that caffeine acts through both adenosine receptor-dependent and receptor-independent mechanisms. Overall, our findings provide new insights into disease mechanisms and further support the potential efficacy of caffeine in controlling dyskinesia associated with pathogenic GNAO1 mutations.
Effects of 24 Weeks of a Supervised Walk Training on Knee Muscle Strength and Quality of Life in Older Female Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hsu Wei-Hsiu , Hsu Wei-Bin , Lin Zin-Rong , Chang Shr-Hsin , Fan Chun-Hao , Kuo Liang-Tseng , Hsu Wen-Wei Robert
Published: January 2023

Poor supervision, impaired exercise adherence, and low compliance with exercise regimens result in inconsistent effects regarding exercise interventions. A supervised-walk training regimen (9 km/week) may have a positive effect on functional recovery in female total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a supervised walking regimen on lower limb muscle strength, functional fitness, and patient-reported outcomes in female TKA. Twenty-eight female TKA were allocated into a control (CON) (n = 14) or walk training (WT) (n = 14) group. WT on treadmills was initiated 12 weeks after TKA. All patients were examined for lower muscle strength (including extension and flexion of hip and knee), physical function (including a 6-min walk test, 8-foot up-and-go test, and 30-s chair stand test), and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire. Knee flexor (WT: CON; 64.4 ± 4.1 nm/kg: 43.7±3.3 nm/kg; p = 0.001; effect size: 5.62) and extensor strengths (WT: CON; 73.1 ± 7.5 nm/kg: 48.2 ± 2.4 nm/kg; p = 0.001; effect size: 4.47) statistically increased in the WT group compared to the CON group. The 6-min walk test (from 341.3 ± 20.5 m to 405.5 ± 30.7 m; p = 0.001; effect size: 2.46) and 8-foot up-and-go test (from 9.5 ± 0.7 s to 8.3 ± 0.7 s; p = 0.002; effect size: 1.71) tests also showed significant improvements in the WT group in the follow-up compared to the baseline. An increase in quality of life score according to the KOOS questionnaire (WT: CON; 91.0 ± 2.8: 68.1 ± 5.8; p = 0.001; effect size: 5.02) was noted in the WT group compared to the CON group in the follow-up. WT facilitated improvements in knee muscle strength and functional outcomes in TKA patients.
Physical Education Teachers’ Perception of Teaching Effectiveness Related to Gender and Center Location in the Community of Extremadura
Authors: Rojo-Ramos Jorge , Mendoza-Muñoz María , Denche-Zamorano Ángel , Contreras-Barraza Nicolás , Gomez-Paniagua Santiago , Galán-Arroyo Carmen
Published: January 2023

Teacher effectiveness (TE) is defined as a set of strategies implemented by the teacher to ensure the multidimensional development of students. This effectiveness has usually been evaluated by students, department heads or parents, but not by one of the fundamental elements of the educational process, the teacher. In the current study, the aim is to understand the self-assessed teaching effectiveness of Physical Education (PE) teachers in the Community of Extremadura, finding differences according to the gender of the teacher and the location of the center. Significant differences were found in the scores of both the items and the dimensions that make up the questionnaire, regarding variables such as gender and location of the center. Similarly, we found worrying values regarding the use of technology and the evaluation of teachers and students, so these findings should serve to open new lines of action to develop measures to improve teaching effectiveness depending on the educational context. Therefore, this research is considered a first step in the analysis of the perceptions and needs of the teaching job from the point of view of a PE teacher in Extremadura.