bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategy Based on Two Stages for IR Thermographic Inspections of Photovoltaic Plants
Authors: Álvarez-Tey Germán , García-López Carmen
Published: June 2022

Aerial infrared (IR) thermography has been implemented in recent years, proving to be a powerful and versatile technique for performing maintenance at photovoltaic (PV) plants. Its application speed and reliability using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones make it extremely interesting at large PV plants, due to the associated savings in time and costs. Ground-level thermographic inspection is slower and more costly to apply, although it does provide higher optical resolution, due to being conducted closer to the PV modules being inspected. Both techniques used in combination can improve the diagnosis. An IR thermography inspection strategy is proposed for PV plants based on two stages. The first stage of the inspection is aerial, enabling thermal faults to be detected and located quickly and reliably. The second stage of the inspection is done on the ground and applied only to the most relevant incidents revealed in the first stage. This inspection strategy was applied to a 100 kW PV plant, with an improved diagnosis verified via this procedure, as the ground-level inspection detects one-off thermal incidents from objects creating shade and from solar reflections. For PV modules with open circuits or open substrings, the use of one technique or another is immaterial.
Real-Time Short-Term Voltage Stability Assessment Using Combined Temporal Convolutional Neural Network and Long Short-Term Memory Neural Network
Authors: Adhikari Ananta , Naetiladdanon Sumate , Sangswang Anawach
Published: June 2022

This research presents a new method based on a combined temporal convolutional neural network and long-short term memory neural network for the real-time assessment of short-term voltage stability to keep the electric grid in a secure state. The assessment includes both the voltage instability (stable state or unstable state) and the fault-induced delayed voltage recovery phenomenon subjected to disturbance. The trained model uses the time series post-disturbance bus voltage trajectories as the input in order to predict the stability state of the power system in a computationally efficient manner. The proposed method also utilizes a transfer learning approach that acclimates to the pre-trained model using only a few labeled samples, which assesses voltage instability under unseen network topology change conditions. Finally, the performance evaluated on the IEEE 9 Bus and New England 39 Bus test systems shows that the proposed method gives superior accuracy with higher efficacy and thus is suitable for online application.
Thermophysical Properties of Inorganic Phase-Change Materials Based on MnCl2·4H2O
Authors: Min Kyung-Eun , Jang Jae-Won , Kim Jun-Ki , Wern Chien , Yi Sung
Published: June 2022

Manganese (II) chloride tetrahydrate, classified as an inorganic phase-change material (PCM), can be used as a thermal energy storage material, saving and releasing thermal energy during its phase transitions. In this study, thermophysical properties, such as phase change temperatures, latent heat, and thermal conductivities, of four types of MnCl2·4H2O PCMs were investigated under single and dual phases (liquid-, solid-, and dual-phase PCMs) using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and a heat flow meter. PCMs with a liquid or dual phases exhibited superheating issues, and their melting temperatures were 7 to 10 °C higher than the reference melting temperatures. The PCMs had latent heats between 146 and 176 J/g in the temperature range of 23 to 45 °C under the endothermic process. Severe supercooling during the exothermic process was observed in all as-received specimens, but was mitigated in the homogenization-treated specimen, which sustained an increase in solidification temperature of about 15 °C compared with the as-received and treated PCMs. The diffusivities of PCMs were between 9.76 × 10−6 and 2.35 × 10−5 mm2/s. The diffusivities of the PCMs in the solid phase were higher than those in the liquid phase. During the initial holding time of the endothermic process, the PCM in the liquid phase could not be fully solidified due to an insufficient initial holding time and very low diffusivity, which caused superheating during the DSC measurement. Moreover, in the exothermic process, a fast cooling rate of 5 °C/min and low thermal diffusivity caused supercooling. In particular, the diffusivity of the liquid PCM was lower than those of the solid PCM and other PCMs, which caused extremely high supercooling during the DSC measurement. This paper provides the thermophysical properties of MnCl2·4H2O PCMs, which are not available in the literature. The homogeneity of PCMs in their initial states and their heating/cooling rates were identified, and constitute important factors for accurately measuring the thermophysical properties of PCMs.
A Bayesian Dynamic Inference Approach Based on Extracted Gray Level Co-Occurrence (GLCM) Features for the Dynamical Analysis of Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Eltahir Majdy M. , Hussain Lal , Malibari Areej A. , K. Nour Mohamed , Obayya Marwa , Mohsen Heba , Yousif Adil , Ahmed Hamza Manar
Published: June 2022

The adoptability of the heart to external and internal stimuli is reflected by heart rate variability (HRV). Reduced HRV can be a predictor of post-infarction mortality. In this study, we propose an automated system to predict and diagnose congestive heart failure using short-term heart rate variability analysis. Based on the nonlinear, nonstationary, and highly complex dynamics of congestive heart failure, we extracted multimodal features to capture the temporal, spectral, and complex dynamics. Recently, the Bayesian inference approach has been recognized as an attractive option for the deeper analysis of static features, in order to perform a comprehensive analysis of extracted nodes (features). We computed the gray level co-occurrence (GLCM) features from congestive heart failure signals and then ranked them based on ROC methods. This study focused on utilizing the dissimilarity feature, which is ranked as highly important, as a target node for the empirical analysis of dynamic profiling and optimization, in order to explain the nonlinear dynamics of GLCM features extracted from heart failure signals, and distinguishing CHF from NSR. We applied Bayesian inference and Pearson’s correlation (PC). The association, in terms of node force and mapping, was computed. The higher-ranking target node was used to compute the posterior probability, total effect, arc contribution, network profile, and compression. The highest value of ROC was obtained for dissimilarity, at 0.3589. Based on the information-gain algorithm, the highest strength of the relationship was obtained between nodes “dissimilarity” and “cluster performance” (1.0146), relative to mutual information (81.33%). Moreover, the highest relative binary significance was yielded for dissimilarity for 1/3rd (80.19%), 2/3rd (74.95%) and 3/3rd (100%). The results revealed that the proposed methodology can provide further in-depth insights for the early diagnosis and prognosis of congestive heart failure.
On the Communication Performance of Airborne Distributed Coherent Radar
Authors: Wu Qinhao , Zhang Bo , Wang Hongqiang , Peng Jinlin
Published: June 2022

Compared with a monostatic radar, airborne distributed coherent radar (ADCR) has been widely applied thanks to its flexibility, greater degree of freedom, stronger detection, and anti-jamming ability. Unlike distributed ground-based radar, the precondition for ADCR to perform tasks is maintenance of stable wireless communication links among the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Therefore, the communication channel modeling of ADCR is very important. This paper mainly analyzes the performance of a communication system composed of radar UAVs, communication UAV (relay), and ground base station. The probability density function (PDF) and outage probability (OP) of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the ground terminal are derived analytically in the cases of transmission power error, UAV position error, and multi-path fading. Numerical simulation shows the validity of the derived results.
Low-Cycle Reverse Loading Tests of the Continuous Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Column Filled with Concrete
Authors: Li Jianhang , Liu Hongbo , Guo Qing , Dai Guoliang , Zhou Junlong , Xie Penglin
Published: June 2022

The continuous basalt fiber-reinforced polymer column filled with concrete (BFRPC composite column) can well resist the erosion of the external environment, improve the durability of the structure, and reduce the life-cycle cost of the project. To evaluate the mechanical behaviors of the BFRPC composite column under cyclic lateral loading, laboratory low-cycle reverse loading tests were implemented on a BFRPC composite column specimen, a prestressed reinforced concrete (PRC) tube column specimen, and a prestressed high-strength concrete (PHC) tube column specimen. The failure features, hysteretic curve, and skeleton curve for these three types of column specimens were compared and analyzed through the load–displacement hysteretic curve. The results indicated that the BFRPC composite column possesses the better bearing capacity and deformation performance. The horizontal bearing capacity of the BFRPC composite column is at least three times better than that of PHC and PRC tube columns. Finally, the functional expression of the skeleton curves for the BFRPC composite column is fitted by the rational function fitting method.
Safety and Effectiveness of Abatacept in a Prospective Cohort of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis–Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Mena-Vázquez Natalia , Rojas-Gimenez Marta , Fuego-Varela Clara , García-Studer Aimara , Perez-Gómez Nair , Romero-Barco Carmen María , Godoy-Navarrete Francisco Javier , Manrique-Arija Sara , Gandía-Martínez Myriam , Calvo-Gutiérrez Jerusalem , Morales-Garrido Pilar , Mouriño-Rodriguez Coral , Castro-Pérez Patricia , Añón-Oñate Isabel , Espildora Francisco , Aguilar-Hurtado María Carmen , Hidalgo Conde Ana , Arnedo Díez de los Ríos Rocío , Cabrera César Eva , Redondo-Rodriguez Rocío , Velloso-Feijoo María Luisa , Fernández-Nebro Antonio
Published: June 2022

Objective: To prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy profile of abatacept in patients with rheumatoid arthritis–associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). Methods: We performed a prospective observational multicenter study of a cohort of patients with RA-ILD treated with abatacept between 2015 and 2021. Patients were evaluated using high-resolution computed tomography and pulmonary function tests at initiation, 12 months, and the end of follow-up. The effectiveness of abatacept was evaluated based on whether ILD improved, stabilized, progressed, or was fatal. We also evaluated factors such as infection, hospitalization, and inflammatory activity using the 28-joint Disease Activity Score with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR). Cox regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with progression of lung disease. Results: The study population comprised 57 patients with RA-ILD treated with abatacept for a median (IQR) of 27.3 (12.2–42.8) months. Lung disease had progressed before starting abatacept in 45.6% of patients. At the end of follow-up, lung disease had improved or stabilized in 41 patients (71.9%) and worsened in 13 (22.8%); 3 patients (5.3%) died. No significant decreases were observed in forced vital capacity (FVC) or in the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO).The factors associated with progression of RA-ILD were baseline DAS28-ESR (OR [95% CI], 2.52 [1.03–3.12]; p = 0.041), FVC (OR [95% CI], 0.82 [0.70–0.96]; p = 0.019), and DLCO (OR [95% CI], 0.83 [0.72–0.96]; p = 0.018). Only 10.5% of patients experienced severe adverse effects. Conclusion: Pulmonary function and joint inflammation stabilized in 71% of patients with RA-ILD treated with abatacept. Abatacept had a favorable safety profile.
Influence of Country Digitization Level on Digital Pandemic Stress
Authors: Antón-Sancho Álvaro , Vergara Diego , Fernández-Arias Pablo
Published: June 2022

A quick and effective solution to address the immediate change in teaching methods after the COVID-19 pandemic was digital learning environments (DLEs). The way in which this process of change towards DLEs was tackled was different around the world, depending on multiple factors, including the level of digitization, technology, and innovation. This paper conducts quantitative research on the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the adaptation of university professors to DLEs. In order to achieve this objective, a sample of 723 university professors from 15 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean was taken. The participants’ self-perception of the stress generated and their levels of digital competence during the COVID-19 pandemic were studied according to the Global Innovation Index (GII) of their country of origin. The results show that professors have an intermediate–high self-perception of both their digital competence and their ability to adapt to DLEs. It is also shown that neither the professors’ level of digital competence nor the GII of the country of origin fully explain the level of pandemic stress regarding the use of DLEs. This fact suggests that there must be other influential factors to consider, thus opening new lines of future research.
Gender Differences in Attachment Anxiety and Avoidance and Their Association with Psychotherapy Use—Examining Students from a German University
Authors: Weber Rainer , Eggenberger Lukas , Stosch Christoph , Walther Andreas
Published: June 2022

Attachment anxiety and avoidance might explain gender differences in psychotherapy use, which is generally lower in men. In addition, university students are a particularly vulnerable group for mental health problems, and understanding psychotherapy use, especially among mentally distressed male students, is pivotal. A total of 4894 students completed an online survey answering questions regarding psychotherapy use and completing the PHQ-D identifying psychological syndromes. In addition, the ECR-RD12 was used to measure attachment anxiety and avoidance. Significant gender differences for attachment anxiety and avoidance emerged, showing higher attachment anxiety in female students and higher attachment avoidance in male students. Male students used psychotherapy significantly less than female students. Male students’ attachment anxiety and avoidance predicted psychotherapy use, while for female students, only attachment anxiety emerged as a significant predictor. Attachment anxiety is positively associated with psychotherapy use, and lower attachment anxiety in men may explain lower psychotherapy use in male students.
The Role of SLC7A11 in Cancer: Friend or Foe?
Authors: Li Sijia , Lu Zhenyao , Sun Runbin , Guo Suhan , Gao Fangfang , Cao Bei , Aa Jiye
Published: June 2022

SLC7A11 controls the uptake of extracellular cystine in exchange for glutamate at a ratio of 1:1, and it is overexpressed in a variety of tumours. Accumulating evidence has shown that the expression of SLC7A11 is fine-tuned at multiple levels, and plays diverse functional and pharmacological roles in tumours, such as cellular redox homeostasis, cell growth and death, and cell metabolism. Many reports have suggested that the inhibition of SLC7A11 expression and activity is favourable for tumour therapy; thus, SLC7A11 is regarded as a potential therapeutic target. However, emerging evidence also suggests that on some occasions, the inhibition of SLC7A11 is beneficial to the survival of cancer cells, and confers the development of drug resistance. In this review, we first briefly introduce the biological properties of SLC7A11, including its structure and physiological functions, and further summarise its regulatory network and potential regulators. Then, focusing on its role in cancer, we describe the relationships of SLC7A11 with tumourigenesis, survival, proliferation, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance in more detail. Finally, since SLC7A11 has been linked to cancer through multiple approaches, we propose that its contribution and regulatory mechanism require further elucidation. Thus, more personalised therapeutic strategies should be adapted when targeting SLC7A11.
A Frailty-Adjusted Stratification Score to Predict Surgical Risk, Post-Operative, Long-Term Functional Outcome, and Quality of Life after Surgery in Intracranial Meningiomas
Authors: Tariciotti Leonardo , Fiore Giorgio , Carapella Sara , Remore Luigi Gianmaria , Schisano Luigi , Borsa Stefano , Pluderi Mauro , Canevelli Marco , Marfia Giovanni , Caroli Manuela , Locatelli Marco , Bertani Giulio
Published: June 2022

Object: To investigate those parameters affecting early and follow-up functional outcomes in patients undergoing resection of meningiomas and to design a dedicated predictive score, the Milan Bio(metric)-Surgical Score (MBSS) is hereby presented. Methods: Patients undergoing transcranial surgery for intracranial meningiomas were included. The most significant parameters in the regression analyses were implemented in a patient stratification score and were validated by testing its classification consistency with a clinical–radiological grading scale (CRGS), Milan complexity scale (MCS), and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores. Results: The ASA score, Frailty index, skull base and posterior cranial fossa locations, a diameter of >25 mm, and the absence of a brain–tumour interface were predictive of early post-operative deterioration and were collected in MBSS Part A (AUC: 0.965; 95%C.I. 0.890–1.022), while the frailty index, posterior cranial fossa location, a diameter of >25 mm, a edema/tumour volume index of >2, dural sinus invasion, DWI hyperintensity, and the absence of a brain–tumour interface were predictive of a long-term unfavourable outcome and were collected in MBSS Part B (AUC: 0.877; 95%C.I. 0.811–0.942). The score was consistent with CRGS, MCS, and CCI. Conclusion: Patients’ multi-domain evaluation and the implementation of frailty indexes might help predict the perioperative complexity of cases; the functional, clinical, and neurological early outcomes; survival; and overall QoL after surgery.
CDK4/CDK6 Inhibitors Synergize with Midostaurin, Avapritinib, and Nintedanib in Inducing Growth Inhibition in KIT D816V+ Neoplastic Mast Cells
Authors: Schneeweiss-Gleixner Mathias , Filik Yüksel , Stefanzl Gabriele , Berger Daniela , Sadovnik Irina , Bauer Karin , Smiljkovic Dubravka , Eisenwort Gregor , Witzeneder Nadine , Greiner Georg , Hoermann Gregor , Schiefer Ana-Iris , Schwaab Juliana , Jawhar Mohamad , Reiter Andreas , Sperr Wolfgang R. , Arock Michel , Valent Peter , Gleixner Karoline V.
Published: June 2022

In most patients with advanced systemic mastocytosis (AdvSM), neoplastic mast cells (MC) express KIT D816V. However, despite their disease-modifying potential, KIT D816V-targeting drugs, including midostaurin and avapritinib, may not produce long-term remissions in all patients. Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4 and CDK6 are promising targets in oncology. We found that shRNA-mediated knockdown of CDK4 and CDK6 results in growth arrest in the KIT D816V+ MC line HMC-1.2. The CDK4/CDK6 inhibitors palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib suppressed the proliferation in primary neoplastic MC as well as in all HMC-1 and ROSA cell subclones that were examined. Abemaciclib was also found to block growth in the drug-resistant MC line MCPV-1, whereas no effects were seen with palbociclib and ribociclib. Anti-proliferative drug effects on MC were accompanied by cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, CDK4/CDK6 inhibitors were found to synergize with the KIT-targeting drugs midostaurin, avapritinib, and nintedanib in inducing growth inhibition and apoptosis in neoplastic MCs. Finally, we found that CDK4/CDK6 inhibitors induce apoptosis in CD34+/CD38− stem cells in AdvSM. Together, CDK4/CDK6 inhibition is a potent approach to suppress the growth of neoplastic cells in AdvSM. Whether CDK4/CDK6 inhibitors can improve clinical outcomes in patients with AdvSM remains to be determined in clinical trials.
Role of Local Excision for Suspected Regrowth in a Watch and Wait Strategy for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Geubels Barbara M. , Meyer Vincent M. , van Westreenen Henderik L. , Beets Geerard L. , Grotenhuis Brechtje A. ,   on behalf of the Dutch Watch and Wait Consortium
Published: June 2022

Rectal cancer patients with a clinical complete response to neoadjuvant (chemo)radiation are eligible for Watch and Wait (W&W). For local regrowth, total mesorectal excision (TME) is considered the standard of care. This study evaluated local excision (LE) for suspected local regrowth. From 591 patients prospectively entered into a national W&W registry, 77 patients with LE for regrowth were included. Outcomes analyzed included histopathologic findings, locoregional recurrence, long-term organ preservation, and colostomy-free and overall survival. In total, 27/77 patients underwent early LE (<6 months after neoadjuvant radiotherapy) and 50/77 underwent late LE (≥6 months). Median follow-up was 53 (39–69) months. In 28/77 patients the LE specimen was histopathologically classified as ypT0 (including 9 adenomas); 11/77 were ypT1, and 38/77 were ypT2–3. After LE, 13/77 patients with ypT2–3 and/or irradical resection underwent completion TME. Subsequently, 14/64 patients without completion TME developed locoregional recurrence, and were successfully treated with salvage TME. Another 8/77 patients developed distant metastases. At 5 years, overall organ preservation was 63%, colostomy-free survival was 68%, and overall survival was 96%. There were no differences in outcomes between early or late LE. In W&W for rectal cancer, LE can be considered as an alternative to TME for suspected regrowth in selected patients who wish to preserve their rectum or avoid colostomy in distal rectal cancer.
Retention and Inactivation of Quality Indicator Bacteria Using a Photocatalytic Membrane Reactor
Authors: Marques Ana Paula , Huertas Rosa , Bernardo Jorge , Oliveira Beatriz , Crespo João Goulão , Pereira Vanessa Jorge
Published: June 2022

The development of effective disinfection treatment processes is crucial to help the water industry cope with the inevitable challenges resulting from the increase in human population and climate change. Climate change leads to heavy rainfall, flooding and hot weather events that are associated with waterborne diseases. Developing effective treatment technologies will improve our resilience to cope with these events and our capacity to safeguard public health. A submerged hybrid reactor was used to test the efficiency of membrane filtration, direct photolysis (using ultraviolet-C low-pressure mercury lamps, as well as ultraviolet-C and ultraviolet-A light-emitting diodes panels) and the combination of both treatment processes (membrane filtration and photolysis) to retain and inactivate water quality indicator bacteria. The developed photocatalytic membranes effectively retained the target microorganisms that were then successfully inactivated by photolysis and advanced oxidation processes. The new hybrid reactor could be a promising approach to treat drinking water, recreational water and wastewater produced by different industries in small-scale systems. Furthermore, the results obtained with membranes coated with titanium dioxide and copper combined with ultraviolet-A light sources show that the process may be a promising approach to guarantee water disinfection using natural sunlight.
Hypothalamic CREB Regulates the Expression of Pomc-Processing Enzyme Pcsk2
Authors: Zanesco Ariane Maria , Mendes Natalia F. , Engel Daiane F. , Gaspar Rodrigo S. , Sidarta-Oliveira Davi , Donato José , Velloso Licio A.
Published: June 2022

Background: The hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin (Pomc) neurons act as first-order sensors of systemic energy stores, providing signals that regulate caloric intake and energy expenditure. In experimental obesity, dietary saturated fatty acids affect Pomc endopeptidases (PCs), resulting in the abnormal production of the neurotransmitters α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) and β-endorphin, thus impacting energy balance. The cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is one of the transcription factors that control the expression of Pomc endopeptidases; however, it was previously unknown if dietary fats could affect CREB and consequently the expression of Pomc endopeptidases. Methods: Here, we used single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, PCR, immunoblot, ELISA and immunofluorescence histological assays to determine the impact of a high-fat diet (HFD) on the expression and function of hypothalamic CREB and its impact on the melanocortinergic system. Results: The results indicate that CREB is expressed in arcuate nucleus Pomc neurons and is activated as early as nine hours after the introduction of a high-fat diet. The inhibition of hypothalamic CREB using a short-hairpin RNA lentiviral vector resulted in increased diet-induced body-mass gain and reduced energy expenditure. This was accompanied by reduced expression of the Pomc endopeptidases, protein convertase 2, which are encoded by Pcsk2, and by the loss of the high-fat-diet-induced effect to inhibit the production of α-MSH. Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence for the involvement of CREB in the abnormal regulation of the hypothalamic Pomc endopeptidase system in experimental obesity.
Static and Dynamic Balance Indices among Kindergarten Children: A Short-Term Intervention Program during COVID-19 Lockdowns
Authors: Yanovich Einat , Bar-Shalom Salit
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak had a negative impact on kindergarten activities. These young children, who had been compelled to stay home during lockdowns, suffered a lack of movement and loss of mobility, resulting in deteriorated physical motor skills. Lack of sufficient motor experience in early childhood can impair children’s motor and cognitive development. Balance skills are fundamental to all other motor abilities, from the most basic movements to the most complex motor skills. The purpose of this study was to implement a short-term physical activity program, which may have a direct effect on children’s fundamental balance ability. Ninety-six kindergarten children (45 boys and 51 girls), aged 4–6 years, participated in the study. Data were analyzed using three-way ANOVA and interaction analyses. The results suggest that short, focused, and dedicated balance training programs have a beneficial influence on the static balance of preschoolers and can mitigate some of the negative physical outcomes of lockdowns. In conclusion, this study indicates that a short-term physical training program had a positive effect on the motor abilities of preschoolers after COVID-19-related lockdowns. More research is needed in order to fully understand the complete impact of the worldwide health crisis and the best ways in which to address it.
Trading Behavior in Agricultural Commodity Futures around the 52-Week High
Authors: Smales Lee A.
Published: June 2022

Utilizing the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Commitment of Traders report, we examine the behavior of traders in three large agricultural futures markets (corn, soybean, and wheat) when prices are at a key technical trading level—the 52-week high (the highest price during the past year). Our empirical results confirm that, consistent with hedging behavior, commercial traders tend to be negative feedback traders, while non-commercial traders tend to be momentum traders. In both cases, there is a moderating effect when the market is at the 52-week high. For non-commercial traders, this effect is concentrated in short positions. Although we find no evidence of a broad market timing ability from any trader type, trader positions appear to be more informative when the market is at the 52-week high. Our results have implications for traders attempting to time market entry.
Deploying Serious Games for Cognitive Rehabilitation
Authors: Perri Damiano , Simonetti Marco , Gervasi Osvaldo
Published: June 2022

The telerehabilitation of patients with neurological lesions has recently assumed significant importance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has reduced the possibility of access to healthcare facilities by patients. Therefore, the possibility of exercise for these patients safely in their own homes has emerged as an essential need. Our efforts aim to provide an easy-to-implement and open-source methodology that provides doctors with a set of simple, low-cost tools to create and manage patient-adapted virtual reality telerehabilitation batteries of exercises. This is particularly important because many studies show that immediate action and appropriate, specific rehabilitation can guarantee satisfactory results. Appropriate therapy is based on crucial factors, such as the frequency, intensity, and specificity of the exercises. Our work’s most evident result is the definition of a methodology that allows the development of rehabilitation exercises with a limited effect in both economic and implementation terms, using software tools accessible to all.
Upfront Next Generation Sequencing in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Kuang Shelley , Fung Andrea S. , Perdrizet Kirstin A. , Chen Kaitlin , Li Janice J. N. , Le Lisa W. , Cabanero Michael , Karsaneh Ola Abu Al , Tsao Ming S. , Morganstein Josh , Ranich Laura , Smith Adam C. , Wei Cuihong , Cheung Carol , Shepherd Frances A. , Liu Geoffrey , Bradbury Penelope , Pal Prodipto , Schwock Joerg , Sacher Adrian G. , Law Jennifer H. , Stockley Tracy L. , Leighl Natasha B.
Published: June 2022

In advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), patients with actionable genomic alterations may derive additional clinical benefit from targeted treatment compared to cytotoxic chemotherapy. Current guidelines recommend extensive testing with next generation sequencing (NGS) panels. We investigated the impact of using a targeted NGS panel (TruSight Tumor 15, Illumina) as reflex testing for NSCLC samples at a single institution. Molecular analysis examined 15 genes for hotspot mutation variants, including AKT1, BRAF, EGFR, ERBB2, FOXL2, GNA11, GNAQ, KIT, KRAS, MET, NRAS, PDGFRA, PIK3CA, RET and TP53 genes. Between February 2017 and October 2020, 1460 samples from 1395 patients were analyzed. 1201 patients (86.1%) had at least one variant identified, most frequently TP53 (47.5%), KRAS (32.2%) or EGFR (24.2%). Among these, 994 patients (71.3%) had clinically relevant variants eligible for treatment with approved therapies or clinical trial enrollment. The incremental cost of NGS beyond single gene testing (EGFR, ALK) was CAD $233 per case. Reflex upfront NGS identified at least one actionable variant in more than 70% of patients with NSCLC, with minimal increase in testing cost. Implementation of NGS panels remains essential as treatment paradigms continue to evolve.
A Numerical Thermal Analysis of a Battery Pack in an Electric Motorbike Application
Authors: Shahjalal Mohammad , Shams Tamanna , Hossain Sadat Bin , Roy Probir Kumar , Jion Arafat Alam , Ahsan Mominul , Chowdhury Jahedul Islam , Ahmed Md Rishad , Alam Syed Bahauddin , Haider Julfikar
Published: June 2022

Today, electric driven motorbikes (e-motorbikes) are facing multiple safety, functionality and operating challenges, particularly in hot climatic conditions. One of them is the increasing demand for efficient battery cooling to avoid the potential thermal stability concerns due to extreme temperatures and the conventional plastic enclosure of the battery pack. A reliable and efficient thermal design can be formulated by accommodating the battery within an appropriate battery housing supported by a cooling configuration. The proposed design includes a battery pack housing made of high conductive materials, such as copper (Cu) and aluminum (Al), with an adequate liquid cooling system. This study first proposes a potted cooling structure for the e-motorbike battery and numerical studies are carried out for a 72 V, 42 Ah battery pack for different ambient temperatures, casing materials, discharge rates, coolant types, and coolant temperatures. Results reveal that up to 53 °C is achievable with only the Cu battery housing material. Further temperature reduction is possible with the help of a liquid cooling system, and in this case, with the use of coolant temperature of 20 °C, the battery temperature can be maintained within 28 °C. The analysis also suggests that the proposed cooling system can keep a safe battery temperature up to a 5C rate. The design was also validated for different accelerated driving scenarios. The proposed conceptual design could be exploited in future e-motorbike battery cooling for optimum thermal stability.
Genomic Breakpoints’ Characterization of a Large CHEK2 Duplication in an Italian Family with Hereditary Breast Cancer
Authors: Germani Aldo , Guadagnolo Daniele , Salvati Valentina , Micolonghi Caterina , Mancini Rita , Mastromoro Gioia , Sadeghi Soha , Petrucci Simona , Pizzuti Antonio , Piane Maria
Published: June 2022

CHEK2 (checkpoint kinase 2; MIM# 604373) is a tumor suppressor gene that encodes a serine threonine kinase involved in pathways such as DNA repair, cell cycle arrest, mitosis, and apoptosis. Pathogenic variants in CHEK2 contribute to a moderately increased risk of breast and other cancers. Several variant classes have been reported, either point mutations or large intragenic rearrangements. However, a significant portion of reported variants has an uncertain clinical significance. We report an intragenic CHEK2 duplication, ranging from intron 5 to intron 13, identified in an Italian family with hereditary breast cancer. Using long range PCR, with duplication-specific primers, we were able to ascertain the genomic breakpoint. We also performed a real-time PCR to assess a possible loss-of-function effect. The genomic characterization of large intragenic rearrangements in cancer susceptibility genes is important for the clinical management of the carriers and for a better classification of rare variants. The molecular definition of breakpoints allows for the prediction of the impact of the variant on transcripts and proteins, aiding in its characterization and clinical classification.
Increased Levels of Plasma Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarkers and Their Associations with Brain Structural Changes and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Cognitively Normal Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients
Authors: Chen Yueh-Sheng , Chen Meng-Hsiang , Wang Pei-Ming , Lu Cheng-Hsien , Chen Hsiu-Ling , Lin Wei-Che
Published: June 2022

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and amyloid deposition in the brain. OSA is further linked to the development of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In this study, we analyzed the plasma levels of AD neuropathology biomarkers and their relationships with structural changes of the brain and atherosclerosis. Thirty OSA patients with normal cognition and 34 normal controls were enrolled. Cognitive functions were assessed by the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale third edition and Cognitive Ability Screening Instrument. Plasma Aβ-40, Aβ-42, and T-tau levels were assayed using immunomagnetic reduction. The carotid intima-media thickness was measured to assess the severity of atherosclerosis. Structural MR images of brain were acquired with voxel-based morphometric analysis of T1 structural images. The OSA patients exhibited significantly elevated plasma levels of Aβ-42 and T-tau, as well as increased gray matter volume in the right precuneus. Plasma T-tau level is associated with carotid intima-media thickness and gray matter volume of the precuneus. These findings may indicate early changes that precede clinically apparent cognitive impairment. The measurement of these biomarkers may aid in the early detection of OSA-associated morbidity and possible treatment planning for the prevention of irreversible neuronal damage and cognitive dysfunction.
Efficacy and Safety of Deep Sedation and Anaesthesia for Complex Endoscopic Procedures—A Narrative Review
Authors: Godoroja-Diarto Daniela , Constantin Alina , Moldovan Cosmin , Rusu Elena , Sorbello Massimilliano
Published: June 2022

Propofol sedation for advanced endoscopic procedures is a widespread technique at present, which generates controversy worldwide when anaesthetic or non-anaesthetic personnel administer this form of sedation. There is some evidence for safe administered propofol sedation by non-anaesthetic personnel in patients undergoing endoscopy procedures, but there are only few randomised trials addressing the safety and efficacy of propofol in patients undergoing advanced procedures. A serious possible consequence of propofol sedation is the rapid and unpredictable progression from deep sedation to general anaesthesia mostly when elderly and frail patients are involved in the diagnosis or treatment of various neoplasia. This situation requires rescue measures with skilled airway management. The aim of this paper is to review the safety and efficacy aspects of sedation techniques, with special reference to propofol administration covering the whole patient journey, including preassessment, sedation options and discharge when advanced endoscopic procedures are performed.
Inflammation and Gastric Cancer
Authors: Jaroenlapnopparat Aunchalee , Bhatia Khushboo , Coban Sahin
Published: June 2022

Gastric cancer remains a major killer globally, although its incidence has declined over the past century. It is the fifth most common cancer and the third most common reason for cancer-related deaths worldwide. Gastric cancer is the outcome of a complex interaction between environmental, host genetic, and microbial factors. There is significant evidence supporting the association between chronic inflammation and the onset of cancer. This association is particularly robust for gastrointestinal cancers in which microbial pathogens are responsible for the chronic inflammation that can be a triggering factor for the onset of those cancers. Helicobacter pylori is the most prominent example since it is the most widespread infection, affecting nearly half of the world’s population. It is well-known to be responsible for inducing chronic gastric inflammation progressing to atrophy, metaplasia, dysplasia, and eventually, gastric cancer. This review provides an overview of the association of the factors playing a role in chronic inflammation; the bacterial characteristics which are responsible for the colonization, persistence in the stomach, and triggering of inflammation; the microbiome involved in the chronic inflammation process; and the host factors that have a role in determining whether gastritis progresses to gastric cancer. Understanding these interconnections may improve our ability to prevent gastric cancer development and enhance our understanding of existing cases.
Estimating Permutation Entropy Variability via Surrogate Time Series
Authors: Ricci Leonardo , Perinelli Alessio
Published: June 2022

In the last decade permutation entropy (PE) has become a popular tool to analyze the degree of randomness within a time series. In typical applications, changes in the dynamics of a source are inferred by observing changes of PE computed on different time series generated by that source. However, most works neglect the crucial question related to the statistical significance of these changes. The main reason probably lies in the difficulty of assessing, out of a single time series, not only the PE value, but also its uncertainty. In this paper we propose a method to overcome this issue by using generation of surrogate time series. The analysis conducted on both synthetic and experimental time series shows the reliability of the approach, which can be promptly implemented by means of widely available numerical tools. The method is computationally affordable for a broad range of users.
Hydrodynamic Behavior of Self-Propelled Particles in a Simple Shear Flow
Authors: Qi Tingting , Lin Jianzhong , Ouyang Zhenyu
Published: June 2022

The hydrodynamic properties of a squirmer type of self-propelled particle in a simple shear flow are investigated using the immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method in the range of swimming Reynolds number 0.05 ≤ Res ≤ 2.0, flow Reynolds number 40 ≤ Rep ≤ 160, blocking rate 0.2 ≤ κ ≤ 0.5. Some results are validated by comparing with available other results. The effects of Res, Rep and κ on the hydrodynamic properties of squirmer are discussed. The results show that there exist four distinct motion modes for the squirmer, i.e., horizontal mode, attractive oscillation mode, oscillation mode, and chaotic mode. Increasing Res causes the motion mode of the squirmer to change from a constant tumbling near the centerline to a stable horizontal mode, even an oscillatory or appealing oscillatory mode near the wall. Increasing the swimming intensity of squirmer under the definite Res will induce the squirmer to make periodic and stable motion at a specific distance from the wall. Increasing Rep will cause the squirmer to change from a stable swimming state to a spiral motion or continuous rotation. Increasing κ will strengthen the wall’s attraction to the squirmer. Increasing swimming intensity of squirmer will modify the strength and direction of the wall’s attraction to the squirmer if κ remains constant.
Emerging Challenges in Technical Vocational Education and Training of Pakistan in the Context of CPEC
Authors: Bano Naila , Yang Siliu , Alam Easar
Published: June 2022

Pakistan is a country with rich natural and human resources. The role of highly skilled people in national development has become enormously vital in the new developmental period, but it is also an irrefutable fact that the gap in highly skilled personnel in Pakistan is expanding. The organization of Technical Vocational Education and Training was introduced to prepare a skilled workforce for various industries and sectors in Pakistan; however, the 60% level of young, unskilled, and semi-skilled labor emerging from informal and non-formal sectors is largely attributed to the failure of Technical Vocational Education and Training to supply the country with its requirements for trained manpower for the economy and China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. China and Pakistan launched historic projects such as CPEC as part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which fostered economic cooperation and development between the two countries. This article will go through the overview and the course of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Pakistan. The major purpose of this study is to highlight that TVET in general, and CPEC in particular, are suffering from a lack of qualified personnel because of a variety of other reasons, such as outdated equipment, a lack of industry connectivity, inadequate skills, unemployment, and so on. The study is descriptive and exploratory in nature, and it employs a qualitative research method. The perspectives of the TVET challenges in Pakistan were researched using the data obtained from 500 student and staff respondents, including teachers, TVET workers, and TVET job holders. Some of the important findings include the fact that the current state of the TVET institutions is no doubt due to infrastructural issues and a lack of funding. In addition, TVET in Pakistan is marked by inadequate skills, a lack of industry connectivity, unemployment, insufficient teacher training, and a lack of female participation. In this study, recommendations were given based on the research analysis and research findings.
Early Years Physics Teaching of Abstract Phenomena in Preschool—Supported by Children’s Production of Tablet Videos
Authors: Redfors Andreas , Fridberg Marie , Jonsson Agneta , Thulin Susanne
Published: June 2022

In 2011, a renewed national curriculum for preschools in Sweden introduced explicit pedagogical tasks concerning chemistry and physics. This article is about the analysis of physics teaching supported by video productions with tablets, part of a three-year professional development programme on collaborative inquiry teaching of chemistry and physics in Swedish preschools. The temporal case studies reported here were focused on children’s and teachers’ communication during extended teaching sequences with three- to six-year-old children in two Swedish preschools. Eleven children and two teachers participated in this study. The children worked in small groups with one teacher. Results indicate that children’s video productions by tablets contributed to children’s learning, with differences indicated for children’s experiences of objects of learning in physics at different levels of abstraction. Consequences of the results for future teaching of early years physics are discussed.
Estimation of Total Nitrogen Content in Rubber Plantation Soil Based on Hyperspectral and Fractional Order Derivative
Authors: Tang Rongnian , Li Xiaowei , Li Chuang , Jiang Kaixuan , Hu Wenfeng , Wu Jingjin
Published: June 2022

Soil total nitrogen (TN) is a vital nutrient element that affects the growth and rubber production of rubber trees. Especially in the coastal environment, soil nutrients will show significant differences. Using hyperspectral technology to detect soil nitrogen ion content in the offshore environment can provide technical support for nutrient management. Preprocessing hyperspectral data is a crucial step in accurate spectral model estimation. At the same time, it is considered that the traditional first-order and second-order derivatives are easily unbalanced between the signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in the loss of adequate information. Therefore, this work focuses on the feasibility of fractional order derivative (FOD) combined with partial least squares regression (PLSR) to estimate its TN content. By collecting soil samples from rubber plantations, the TN content of the soil samples was determined, and the spectral reflectance was measured. The FOD of the original spectrum was preprocessed with an interval of 0.2, and 11 spectral curves were obtained. Then, successive projections algorithm (SPA) was used to extract spectral features, and partial least squares regression (PLSR) models of soil TN content were established. The research results show that compared with the traditional integer derivative, FOD has a tremendous advantage in balancing spectral information and noise and can provide more abundant characteristic variables, which helps establish a more robust estimation model. In the range of orders 0–2, the model established by the 1.8-order is the best. Under that circumstance, the determination coefficients of validation (R2v) is 0.649, and the ratio of the performance to deviation (RPD) is 1.72. Combined with FOD, it is feasible and practical to establish an accurate and rapid estimation model of soil TN content, which can provide an important reference for large-scale detection of soil TN content in rubber plantations.