bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 3D Image Registration Method for Laparoscopic Liver Surgery Navigation
Authors: Li Donghui , Wang Monan
Published: May 2022

At present, laparoscopic augmented reality (AR) navigation has been applied to minimally invasive abdominal surgery, which can help doctors to see the location of blood vessels and tumors in organs, so as to perform precise surgery operations. Image registration is the process of optimally mapping one or more images to the target image, and it is also the core of laparoscopic AR navigation. The key is how to shorten the registration time and optimize the registration accuracy. We have studied the three-dimensional (3D) image registration technology in laparoscopic liver surgery navigation and proposed a new registration method combining rough registration and fine registration. First, the adaptive fireworks algorithm (AFWA) is applied to rough registration, and then the optimized iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm is applied to fine registration. We proposed a method that is validated by the computed tomography (CT) dataset 3D-IRCADb-01. Experimental results show that our method is superior to other registration methods based on stochastic optimization algorithms in terms of registration time and accuracy.
Fuzzy Local Information and Bhattacharya-Based C-Means Clustering and Optimized Deep Learning in Spark Framework for Intrusion Detection
Authors: Bouya-Moko Brunel Elvire , Boahen Edward Kwadwo , Wang Changda
Published: May 2022

Strong network connections make the risk of malicious activities emerge faster while dealing with big data. An intrusion detection system (IDS) can be utilized for alerting suitable entities when hazardous actions are occurring. Most of the techniques used to classify intrusions lack the techniques executed with big data. This paper devised an optimization-driven deep learning technique for detecting the intrusion using the Spark model. The input data is fed to the data partitioning phase wherein the partitioning of data is done using the proposed fuzzy local information and Bhattacharya-based C-means (FLIBCM). The proposed FLIBCM was devised by combining Bhattacharya distance and fuzzy local information C-Means (FLICM). The feature selection was achieved with classwise info gained to select imperative features. The data augmentation was done with oversampling to make it apposite for further processing. The detection of intrusion was done using a deep Maxout network (DMN), which was trained using the proposed student psychology water cycle caviar (SPWCC) obtained by combining the water cycle algorithm (WCA), the conditional autoregressive value at risk by regression quantiles (CAViaR), and the student psychology-based optimization algorithm (SPBO). The proposed SPWCC-based DMN offered enhanced performance with the highest accuracy of 97.6%, sensitivity of 98%, and specificity of 97%.
Empirical Study on 5G NR Cochannel Coexistence
Authors: Caro Jordi Biosca , Ansari Junaid , Sachs Joachim , de Bruin Peter , Sivri Sertap , Grosjean Leefke , König Niels , Schmitt Robert H.
Published: May 2022

The 5G non-public network deployments for industrial applications are becoming highly interesting for industries and enterprises owing to dependable wireless performance characteristics. With an increasing trend of network deployments in local licensed and/or shared spectrum, coexistence issues naturally arise. In this article, we present our detailed empirical results on the performance impact of a 5G NR indoor non-public network from a 5G NR outdoor network operating in the same mid-band spectrum. We present experimental results on the uplink and downlink performance impact of a non-public indoor network deployed on an industrial shopfloor. Our results quantify the impact on the uplink and downlink performance characteristics based on realistic traffic loads in a non-public indoor network when using synchronized and unsynchronized Time Division Duplex (TDD) patterns, different UE deployment locations and interference levels. We also present results on mitigating interference effects through robust link adaptation techniques. We believe that this is the first article, which reports quantified 5G NR cochannel coexistence results based on a detailed and systematic study, and provides signficant insights on the cochannel coexistence behavior in realistic deployment scenarios of an industrial shopfloor.
Modelling a New Multifunctional High Accuracy Analogue-to-Digital Converter with an Increased Number of Inputs
Authors: Mychuda Zynoviy , Zhuravel Igor , Mychuda Lesia , Szcześniak Adam , Szcześniak Zbigniew
Published: May 2022

This paper presents a multi-input analogue-to-digital functional converter manufactured using switched capacitors. A new method of multifunctional analogue-to-digital processing was tested, which allowed the number of inputs to be increased to 10 without compromising accuracy. An algorithm was developed, and the converter’s operation was modelled based on this method. It was found that error values are not significantly affected by the number of input voltages. The value of the lowest input voltage has a decisive influence on the conversion time. The examined multi-input analogue-to-digital functional converter performs multiplication, division, exponentiation, and root extraction operations. The exponent of the power and the degree of the root corresponds to the number of inputs of the converter.
Chemical Wave Computing from Labware to Electrical Systems
Authors: Chatzinikolaou Theodoros Panagiotis , Fyrigos Iosif-Angelos , Ntinas Vasileios , Kitsios Stavros , Tsompanas Michail-Antisthenis , Bousoulas Panagiotis , Tsoukalas Dimitris , Adamatzky Andrew , Sirakoulis Georgios Ch.
Published: May 2022

Unconventional and, specifically, wave computing has been repeatedly studied in laboratory based experiments by utilizing chemical systems like a thin film of Belousov–Zhabotinsky (BZ) reactions. Nonetheless, the principles demonstrated by this chemical computer were mimicked by mathematical models to enhance the understanding of these systems and enable a more detailed investigation of their capacity. As expected, the computerized counterparts of the laboratory based experiments are faster and less expensive. A further step of acceleration in wave-based computing is the development of electrical circuits that imitate the dynamics of chemical computers. A key component of the electrical circuits is the memristor which facilitates the non-linear behavior of the chemical systems. As part of this concept, the road-map of the inspiration from wave-based computing on chemical media towards the implementation of equivalent systems on oscillating memristive circuits was studied here. For illustration reasons, the most straightforward example was demonstrated, namely the approximation of Boolean gates.
Mitigation of Low-Frequency Oscillation in Power Systems through Optimal Design of Power System Stabilizer Employing ALO
Authors: Bayu Endeshaw Solomon , Khan Baseem , Ali Zaid M. , Alaas Zuhair Muhammed , Mahela Om Prakash
Published: May 2022

Low-frequency oscillations are an inevitable phenomenon of a power system. This paper proposes an Ant lion optimization approach to optimize the dual-input power system stabilizer (PSS2B) parameters to enhance the transfer capability of the 400 kV line in the North-West region of the Ethiopian electric network by the damping of low-frequency oscillation. Double-input Power system stabilizers (PSSs) are currently used in power systems to damp out low-frequency oscillations. The gained minimum damping ratio and eigenvalue results of the proposed Ant lion algorithm (ALO) approach are compared with the existing conventional system to get better efficiency at various loading conditions. Additionally, the proposed Ant lion optimization approach requires minimal time to estimate the key parameters of the power oscillation damper (POD). Consequently, the average time taken to optimally size the parameters of the PSS controller was 14.6 s, which is pretty small and indicates real-time implementation of an ALO developed model. The nonlinear equations that represent the system have been linearized and then placed in state-space form in order to study and analyze the dynamic performance of the system by damping out low-frequency oscillation problems. Finally, conventional fixed-gain PSS improves the maximum overshoot by 5.2% and settling time by 51.4%, but the proposed optimally sized PSS employed with the ALO method had improved the maximum overshoot by 16.86% and settling time by 78.7%.
Effect of Baffle Dimensionless Size Factor on the Performance of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Cai Yonghua , Sun Jingming , Wei Fan , Chen Ben
Published: May 2022

In this paper, the model of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) with single straight channel is established to investigate the effect of dimensionless size factor of baffles on PEMFC performance. The influence of dimensionless length and height of baffles is discussed. Results show that adding baffles could dramatically optimize the mass transfer in PEMFC. The dimensionless length and height of the baffle have much influence on PEMFC performance.
Experimental and Mathematical Investigation of the Thermophysical Properties of Coal–Water Slurries Based on Lignite
Authors: Osintsev Konstantin , Aliukov Sergei
Published: May 2022

The burning of organic fuel is one of the main factors influencing the greenhouse effect on the climate of the planet. The article examines the influence of the properties of lignite and coal–water slurries on the amount of carbon dioxide molecules formed as a result of chemical reactions. The authors give an overview of the results of other researchers in recent years and give the results of their research and development in the field of burning lignite and coal–water slurries in industrial recycling plants. The authors present the results of experimental studies of the thermophysical properties of coal and a coal–water mixture. The results obtained were compared with the results of calculations using a mathematical model and the results of numerical modeling in Ansys. New methods of approximation of step functions were used for the mathematical model. These methods make it possible to reduce errors in the approximation of the functions of the thermal properties of coal. The proposed methods do not have the disadvantages of traditional decompositions of step functions into Fourier series and can be used in problems of mathematical modeling of a wide class of processes and systems. In particular, when determining the coefficient of kinematic viscosity, ash content, and humidity by the method of approximation of the obtained data, the use of new mathematical methods makes it possible to reduce the error in calculations. In addition, data on numerical modeling of hydraulic transport and combustion processes are provided, and a data validation procedure is carried out. The data convergence shown and their location in the selected band of uncertainties satisfy the requirements for verification of experimental data adopted in the European Union and in the Eurasian Union.
Social Entrepreneurship Conceptual Approaches
Authors: Monteiro Alcides Almeida , Sánchez-García José Carlos , Hernández-Sánchez Brizeida Raquel , Cardella Giuseppina Maria
Published: May 2022

Social entrepreneurship defines organizations or initiatives that, by producing and/or transacting goods or services, seek new solutions to persistent social problems, thus generating high social value. In other words, that deliberately subject their economic strategy to social priorities and place the social mission at the center of their concerns. Such social priorities include poverty, unemployment, education, health, local development, or the environment. Outside this common base, the aggregation of other characteristics or delimitations has given rise to conceptual fuzziness, namely, as to the organizational forms to be adopted (restricted to non-profit organizations or open to for-profit businesses with clear social purposes) and the weight of the social dimension in SE. Another manifestation of conceptual malleability emerges from the coexistence of different schools of thought. On the opposite side, one notes the narrowing of the concept, which mainly derives from a Westernized vision and still pays little attention to the contributions from developing countries. In addition to analyzing these topics, the current entry points out some recommendations regarding the deepening of scientific research in this field.
Wastewater-Fertigated Short-Rotation Coppice, a Combined Scheme of Wastewater Treatment and Biomass Production: A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Hänel Mirko , Istenič Darja , Brix Hans , Arias Carlos A.
Published: May 2022

Vegetated filters based on short-rotation coppice (SRC) can be used to treat various industrial and municipal wastewater while producing valuable biomass in an economical and sustainable way, showing potential in the field of pollution control and bio-based circular economy. This study provides an overview of the state of the art in wastewater-fertigated SRC systems (wfSRCs) worldwide. Different designs, wastewater sources, tree species and varieties, planting schemes, geographic locations, and climates for wfSRC implementation were identified after conducting a literature review. The performance review includes standard water quality parameters, BOD5, COD, nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, as well as the extent of pathogen and emergent contaminant removal and biomass production rates. Identified knowledge gaps and important factors to support the practical implementation of wfSRCs are highlighted. Europe leads the research of wfSRC, followed by North America and Australia. The available publications are mainly from developed countries (73%). The most applied and studied tree species in wfSRC systems are willows (32%), followed by eucalyptus (21%) and poplars (18%). Most of the reviewed studies used domestic wastewater (85%), followed by industrial wastewater (8%) and landfill leachate (7%). Most data show high BOD5 and COD removal efficiencies (80%). There are large differences in the documented total nitrogen and total phosphorus removal efficiencies (12%–99% and 40%–80%, respectively). Enhanced biomass growth in wfSRC systems due to wastewater fertigation was reported in all reviewed studies, and biomass production varied from 3.7 to 40 t DM/ha/yr. WfSRCs seem to have high potential as viable and cost-effective wastewater treatment alternatives to conventional treatment technologies.
Unfolding the Success of Positive Human Interventions in Combating Land Degradation
Authors: Bashir Barjeece , Cao Chunxiang , Xie Bo , Chen Yiyu , Huang Zhibin , Lin Xiaojuan , Gul Hafiza Nayab , Mumtaz Faisal , Duerler Robert Shea , Ahmad Adeel , Hassan Talha
Published: May 2022

A global challenge to sustainable development is land degradation, and to achieve land degradation neutrality, monitoring, mapping, and impact assessment of ongoing ecological restoration efforts is necessary. Here, we analyze the desertification process and role of restoration projects at a spatial and temporal scale in Mu Us Desert from 2001 to 2018. We used 17 years of data to (1) assess the vegetation trend including its significance and map land degradation based on Sustainable Development Goal Indicator 15.3.1 (2) address how vegetation activity has changed under the influence of restoration programs and climate change (3) estimate how successful are the positive human interventions to achieve Land degradation neutrality. Results showed an overall increasing vegetation trend (85.69% significant increasing) and a partial decreasing vegetation trend (1.33% significant decreasing) in Mu Us desert. Ecological restoration activities are found to be one of the key driving forces of vegetation restoration in the desert, however, limited impact of climatic factors on vegetation cover change was observed. Results revealed that 41.42% of total significant restoration is attributed to ecological restoration programs out of which 40.42% area has shown improvement in all three sub-indicators of land degradation.
Salix myrtillacea Female Cuttings Performed Better Than Males under Nitrogen Deposition on Leaves and Drought Conditions
Authors: Cai Zeyu , Han Yanying , Duan Baoli , Song Haifeng
Published: May 2022

Drought and nitrogen (N) deposition are major threats to global forests under climate change. However, investigation into how dioecious woody species acclimate to drought and N deposition and how this is influenced by gender has, so far, been unexplored. We examined the phenotypic and physiological changes in Salix myrtillacea females and males under 60 d drought, and wet N deposition on leaves’ treatments. Drought inhibited their growth by limiting water acquisition, photosynthesis, and increasing oxidative stress, especially in males. However, females exhibited greater drought resistance than males due to their better water acquisition ability and instantaneous water use efficiency (WUEleaf), higher foliar abscisic acid (ABA) and auxin (IAA) levels and greater antioxidase activities. N deposition increased foliar ABA, H2O2 accumulation, and reduced N distribution to the leaves, causing restricted photosynthesis and aerial growth in males. Interestingly, N deposition improved biomass accumulation in both the genders under drought, with greater positive effects on drought-stressed males by increasing their radial growth and causing greater N distribution to the leaves, increased foliar IAA and reduced oxidative stress. Regardless, S. myrtillacea females still showed better growth and drought resistance than males under both drought and N deposition. The females’ superior performance indicated that they are more appropriate for forestation, thus supporting the dominant gender’s selection in the afforestation of unisexual S. myrtillacea in drought and severe N deposition regions.
Optimization of Alpha-Amylase Production by a Local Bacillus paramycoides Isolate and Immobilization on Chitosan-Loaded Barium Ferrite Nanoparticles
Authors: Hallol Merehan , Helmy Omneya , Shawky Alla-Eldien , El-Batal Ahmed , Ramadan Mohamed
Published: May 2022

We set out to isolate alpha-amylase producers from soil samples, optimize the production, and immobilize the enzyme on chitosan-loaded barium ferrite nanoparticles (CLBFNPs). Alpha-amylase producers were isolated on starch agar plates and confirmed by dinitrosalicylic acid assay. The potent isolate was identified by phenotypic methods, 16S-rRNA sequencing, and phylogenetic mapping. Sequential optimization of α-amylase production involved the use of Plackett–Burman (P–BD) and central composite designs (CCD), in addition to exposing the culture to different doses of gamma irradiation. Alpha-amylase was immobilized on CLBFNPs, and the nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, with energy-dispersive analysis of X-ray analysis. Forty-five α-amylase producers were isolated from 100 soil samples. The highest activity (177.12 ± 6.12 U/mg) was detected in the MS009 isolate, which was identified as Bacillus paramycoides. The activity increased to 222.3 ± 5.07 U/mg when using the optimal culture conditions identified by P–BD and CCD, and to 319.45 ± 4.91 U/mg after exposing the culture to 6 kGy. Immobilization of α-amylase on CLBFNPs resulted in higher activity (246.85 ± 6.76 U/mg) compared to free α-amylase (222.254 ± 4.89 U/mg), in addition to retaining activity for up to five cycles of usage. Gamma irradiation improved α-amylase production, while immobilization on CLBFNPs enhanced activity, facilitated enzyme recovery, and enabled its repetitive use.
Effects of Orientations and Regions on Performance of Online Soluble Solids Content Prediction Models Based on Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Peaches
Authors: Liu Sanqing , Huang Wenqian , Lin Lin , Fan Shuxiang
Published: May 2022

Predicting the soluble solid content (SSC) of peaches based on visible/near infrared spectroscopy has attracted widespread attention. Due to the anisotropic structure of peach fruit, spectra collected from different orientations and regions of peach fruit will bring variations in the performance of SSC prediction models. In this study, the effects of spectra collection orientations and regions on online SSC prediction models for peaches were investigated. Full transmittance spectra were collected in two orientations: stem-calyx axis vertical (Orientation1) and stem-calyx axis horizontal (Orientation2). A partial least squares (PLS) method was used to evaluate the spectra collected in the two orientations. Then, each peach fruit was divided into three parts. PLS was used to evaluate the corresponding spectra of combinations of these three parts. Finally, effective wavelengths were selected using the successive projections algorithm (SPA) and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS). Both orientations were ideal for spectra acquisition. Regions without peach pit were ideal for modeling, and the effective wavelengths selected by the SPA led to better performance. The correlation coefficient and root mean square error of validation of the optimal models were 0.90 and 0.65%, respectively, indicating that the optimal model has potential for online prediction of peach SSC.
Effects of Soybean Oil Body as a Milk Fat Substitute on Ice Cream: Physicochemical, Sensory and Digestive Properties
Authors: Wang Wan , Wang Min , Xu Cong , Liu Zhijing , Gu Liya , Ma Jiage , Jiang Lianzhou , Jiang Zhanmei , Hou Juncai
Published: May 2022

Soybean oil body (SOB) has potential as a milk fat substitute due to its ideal emulsification, stability and potential biological activity. In this study, SOB was used as a milk fat substitute to prepare ice cream, expecting to reduce the content of saturated fatty acid and improve the quality defects of ice cream products caused by the poor stability of milk fat at low temperatures. This study investigated the effect of SOB as a milk fat substitute (the substitution amount was 10–50%) on ice cream through apparent viscosity, particle size, overrun, melting, texture, sensory and digestive properties. The results show SOB substitution for milk fat significantly increased the apparent viscosity and droplet uniformity and decreased the particle size of the ice cream mixes, indicating that there were lots of intermolecular interactions to improve ice cream stability. In addition, ice cream with 30% to 50% SOB substitution had better melting properties and texture characteristics. The ice cream with 40% SOB substitution had the highest overall acceptability. Furthermore, SOB substitution for milk fat increased unsaturated fatty acid content in ice cream and fatty acid release during digestion, which had potential health benefits for consumers. Therefore, SOB as a milk fat substitute may be an effective way to improve the nutritional value and quality characteristics of dairy products.
Seepage–Fractal Model of Embankment Soil and Its Application
Authors: Zhao Xiaoming , Yang Binbin , Yuan Shichong , Shen Zhenzhou , Feng Di
Published: May 2022

Over time and across space, the hydraulic conductivity, fractal dimension, and porosity of embankment soil have strong randomness, which makes analyzing seepage fields difficult, affecting embankment risk analysis and early disaster warning. This strong randomness limits the application of fractal theory in embankment engineering and sometimes keeps it in the laboratory stage. Based on the capillary model of porous soil, an analytical formula of the fractal relationship between hydraulic conductivity and fractal dimension is derived herein. It is proposed that the influencing factors of hydraulic conductivity of embankment soil mainly include the capillary aperture, fractal dimension, and fluid viscosity coefficient. Based on random field theory and combined with the embankment parameters of Shijiu Lake, hydraulic conductivity is discretized, and then the soil fractal dimension is approximately solved to reveal the internal relationship between hydraulic gradient, fractal dimension, and hydraulic conductivity. The results show that an increased fractal dimension will reduce the connectivity of soil pores in a single direction, increase the hydraulic gradient, and reduce the hydraulic conductivity. A decreased fractal dimension will lead to consistency of seepage channels in the soil, increased hydraulic conductivity, and decreased hydraulic gradient.
Benefits and Harms of Treatment and Preventive Interventions for Hereditary Angioedema: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Chuamanochan Mati , Phuprasertsak Sutthinee , Weesasubpong Puncharas , Ruengorn Chidchanok , Phosuya Chabaphai , Awiphan Ratanaporn , Hutton Brian , Thavorn Kednapa , Bernstein Jonathan A. , Nochaiwong Surapon
Published: May 2022

Background: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic disease that can lead to potentially life-threatening airway attacks. Although novel therapies for HAE treatment have become available over the past decades, a comparison of all available treatments has not yet been conducted. As such, we will perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis to identify the best evidence-based treatments for the management of acute attacks and prophylaxis of HAE. Methods: This study will include both parallel and crossover randomized controlled trials that have investigated prevention or treatment strategies for HAE attacks. We will search electronic databases, including Medline, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and CINAHL, from inception with no language restrictions. Potential trials will be supplemented through a gray literature search. The process of study screening, selection, data extraction, risk-of-bias assessment, certainty assessment and classification of treatments will be performed independently by a pair of reviewers. Any discrepancy will be addressed through team discussion. A two-step approach of pairwise and network meta-analysis will be performed. The summarized effect estimates of direct and indirect treatment comparisons will be pooled using DerSimonion–Laird random-effects models. The incoherence assumption, in terms of the consistency of direct and indirect effects, will be assessed. An evidence-based synthesis will be performed, based on the magnitudes of effect size, evidence certainty, and ranking of treatment effects, with respect to treatment benefits and harms. Discussion: This systematic review and network meta-analysis will summarize evidence-based conclusions with respect to the ratio of benefits and harms arising from interventions for the treatment of acute attacks and prophylaxis of HAE. Evidence from this network estimate could promote the rational use of interventions among people living with HAE in clinical practice settings. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021251367.
Clinical Phenotypes of CDHR1-Associated Retinal Dystrophies
Authors: Malechka Volha V. , Cukras Catherine A. , Chew Emily Y. , Sergeev Yuri V. , Blain Delphine , Jeffrey Brett G. , Ullah Ehsan , Hufnagel Robert B. , Brooks Brian P. , Huryn Laryssa A. , Zein Wadih M.
Published: May 2022

The retinal dystrophy phenotype associated with CDHR1 retinopathy is clinically heterogenous. In this study, we describe the clinical and molecular findings of a retinal dystrophy cohort (10 patients) attributed to autosomal recessive CDHR1 and report novel variants in populations not previously identified with CDHR1-related retinopathy. Seven patients had evaluations covering at least a three-year period. The mean age of individuals at first symptoms was 36 ± 8.5 years (range 5–45 years). Visual acuity at the last visit ranged from 20/20 to 20/2000 (mean LogMAR 0.8 or 20/125). Three clinical subgroups were identified: rod–cone dystrophy (RCD), cone–rod dystrophy (CRD), and maculopathy. Extinguished scotopic electroretinography responses were noted in the RCD patients. Macular involvement was noted in all patients and documented on color fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence, and optical coherence tomography. Notable asymmetry of the degree of macular atrophy was present in two patients. The possible association between CDHR1 variants and clinical findings was predicted using molecular modeling.
Inferring Signatures of Positive Selection in Whole-Genome Sequencing Data: An Overview of Haplotype-Based Methods
Authors: Abondio Paolo , Cilli Elisabetta , Luiselli Donata
Published: May 2022

Signatures of positive selection in the genome are a characteristic mark of adaptation that can reveal an ongoing, recent, or ancient response to environmental change throughout the evolution of a population. New sources of food, climate conditions, and exposure to pathogens are only some of the possible sources of selective pressure, and the rise of advantageous genetic variants is a crucial determinant of survival and reproduction. In this context, the ability to detect these signatures of selection may pinpoint genetic variants that are responsible for a significant change in gene regulation, gene expression, or protein synthesis, structure, and function. This review focuses on statistical methods that take advantage of linkage disequilibrium and haplotype determination to reveal signatures of positive selection in whole-genome sequencing data, showing that they emerge from different descriptions of the same underlying event. Moreover, considerations are provided around the application of these statistics to different species, their suitability for ancient DNA, and the usefulness of discovering variants under selection for biomedicine and public health in an evolutionary medicine framework.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients with Inherited and Sporadic Motor Neuron Degeneration
Authors: Johnson Brian , Kokkinis Angela , Gai Neville , Shamim Ejaz A. , Blackstone Craig , Fischbeck Kenneth H. , Grunseich Christopher
Published: May 2022

We describe evidence of fatty liver disease in patients with forms of motor neuron degeneration with both genetic and sporadic etiology compared to controls. A group of 13 patients with motor neuron disease underwent liver imaging and laboratory analysis. The cohort included five patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia, four with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), three with familial ALS, and one with primary lateral sclerosis. A genetic mutation was reported in nine of the thirteen motor neuron disease (MND) patients. Fatty liver disease was detected in 10 of 13 (77%) MND patients via magnetic resonance spectroscopy, with an average dome intrahepatic triacylglycerol content of 17% (range 2–63%, reference ≤5.5%). Liver ultrasound demonstrated evidence of fatty liver disease in 6 of the 13 (46%) patients, and serum liver function testing revealed significantly elevated alanine aminotransferase levels in MND patients compared to age-matched controls. Fatty liver disease may represent a non-neuronal clinical component of various forms of MND.
Tomographic Joint Inversion of Direct Arrivals, Primaries and Multiples for Monochannel Marine Surveys
Authors: Vesnaver Aldo , Baradello Luca
Published: May 2022

Conventional multichannel surveys provide good images in 2D and 3D of the Earth in depth, which are successfully used for the oil and gas industries. However, their cost and environmental impact make them rarely affordable for engineering applications, especially for offshore infrastructures. In this case, monochannel systems, such as Boomers, having cables that are a few-meters long, provide time-domain images that are useful but miss relevant lithological information for engineers, such as the P-wave velocity of shallow layers. In this paper, we present a tomographic approach that exploits multiple reflections, in addition to primaries and direct arrivals, which work for monochannel surveys with a short offset. It can detect lateral variations of velocity and thickness of the first layer under the sea floor. Two complementary algorithms are compared: a pure tomographic inversion, and a tuning exploiting the classical Dix formula; the first one is more precise, while the second is more robust with respect to noise. A two-step inversion with incidence-angle parametrization performs slightly better than a single-step algorithm based on the direct traveltime inversion. We validate the method by synthetic and real data examples.
Reading Serial Killer Fanfiction: What’s Fannish about It?
Authors: Fathallah Judith
Published: May 2022

We have come to a point where the field of fan studies must acknowledge darker, more pathologized and potentially more sinister forms of fandom than we have heretofore. Serial killer fandom is, simultaneously, one of the most visible and least-academically discussed form of fandom, despite a general recognition that certain serial killers are, undeniably, celebrities. Serial killer fanfic is relatively rare, but it certainly exists. In this article, I build on some of the work I have already done on Real Person Fiction, specifically importing the lenses of metalepsis and multimodality as well as the self-conscious intersection between fiction and reality, to look at an example of serial killer fanfic on three platforms—Ao3, Tumblr and Wattpad. The article asks what we can learn from applying a fan studies approach to this phenomenon. Is there anything uniquely problematic about serial killer fanfiction, or is it the same process as what so many already do as a mainstream cultural practice, hypothesizing and imagining the ‘backstage’ of famous serial killers, as we do with all other celebrities? I compare the 2019 film Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile which focuses on Bundy’s private relationship with his long-time girlfriend, his circus-like televised murder trial and his eventual death sentence, with a selection of Ted Bundy fanfiction. Of course, the film does not call itself fanfiction (though several critics have considered it to glorify its subject). I will argue that the distinction between ‘serial killer fanfiction’ and authorized, industrialized and popular forms of serial killer media, actually, has very little to do with the content of the text, and is based on a complex network of assumptions regarding its author, context and modes of production and reception. If this is so, the questions we should ask of serial killer fanfic are, in fact, much broader questions regarding our cultural fascination with serial killer media, challenging the pathologization of a specific, feminine-coded and extremely stigmatized fannish practice.
Employment Management Policies for College Graduates under COVID-19 in China: Diffusion Characteristics and Core Issues
Authors: Wu Min , Hao Xinxin , Tian Yihao
Published: May 2022

The outbreak of COVID-19 epidemic has been having a great impact on the job market, so that graduates from all over the world are facing a more complex employment environment. Unemployment of the educated labor force often results in a waste of human capital and leads to serious economic and social problems. In the face of the impact of COVID-19, the Chinese government quickly introduced a series of employment policies for college graduates to relieve their employment pressure and create opportunities of career development. How did these employment policies for college graduates spread rapidly under the unconventional state of the COVID-19 epidemic? What are the diffusion characteristics? What are the core issues and measures? What are the differences between governments at all levels? These problems with rich connotation and research value needed to be further clarified. Based on the 72 employment support policies collected from the Chinese government network, this paper conducted a text analysis of the policies and found that in the process dimension, the employment policies of college graduates accumulated and exploded from bottom to top in the short term, and the policies diffusion followed the gradual model of “east–middle–west”. In the content dimension, there were five core issues: financial subsidies, innovation and entrepreneurship to drive employment, public institutions to absorb, optimizing public services, and lowering the support threshold. Meanwhile, there were obvious differences in the choice of policy tools, policy intensity, and implementation ideas in each region. The findings are of important significance for developed and developing countries to better respond to the impact of various emergency situations.
Effectiveness of Vitamin D Supplements among Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19: Results from a Monocentric Matched-Cohort Study
Authors: Fiore Vito , De Vito Andrea , Bagella Paola , Princic Elija , Mariani Anna Antonella , Denti Lucia , Fois Alessandro Giuseppe , Madeddu Giordano , Babudieri Sergio , Maida Ivana
Published: May 2022

Objectives: Our study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of Vitamin D3 (VitD3) among patients hospitalized for COVID-19. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the difference in survival rates between patients receiving and not VitD3. The secondary endpoints were to evaluate clinical outcomes, such as needing non-invasive ventilation (NIV), ICU transfer, and laboratory findings (inflammatory parameters). Methods: We conducted a retrospective, monocentric matched-cohort study, including patients attending our ward for COVID-19. Patients were divided into two groups depending on VitD3 administration (Group A) or not (Group B) among patients with low VitD levels (defined as blood levels < 30 ng/mL), which depended on physicians’ judgment. Our internal protocol provides VitD3 100,000 UI/daily for two days. Findings: 58 patients were included in Group A, and 58 in Group B. Patients were matched for age, sex, comorbidities, COVID-19-related symptoms, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, blood exams, and medical treatments. Regarding the principal endpoint, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in survival rates [Group A vs. Group B = 3 vs. 11 (p = 0.042)]. When considering secondary endpoints, Group A patients were less likely to undergo NIV [Group A vs. Group B = 12 vs. 23 (p = 0.026)] and showed an improvement in almost all inflammatory parameters. Conclusions: The link between VitD3 deficiency and the clinical course of COVID-19 during hospitalization suggests that VitD3 level is a useful prognostic marker. Considering the safety of supplementation and the low cost, VitD3 replacement should be considered among SARS-CoV-2 infected patients needing hospitalization.
Numerical Flow Simulation on the Virus Spread of SARS-CoV-2 Due to Airborne Transmission in a Classroom
Authors: Moeller Lara , Wallburg Florian , Kaule Felix , Schoenfelder Stephan
Published: May 2022

In order to continue using highly frequented rooms such as classrooms, seminar rooms, offices, etc., any SARS-CoV-2 virus concentration that may be present must be kept low or reduced through suitable ventilation measures. In this work, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to develop a virtual simulation model for calculating and analysing the viral load due to airborne transmission in indoor environments aiming to provide a temporally and spatially-resolved risk assessment with explicit relation to the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2. In this work, the first results of the model and method are presented. In particular, the work focuses on a critical area of the education infrastructure that has suffered severely from the pandemic: classrooms. In two representative classroom scenarios (teaching and examination), the duration of stay for low risk of infection is investigated at different positions in the rooms for the case that one infectious person is present. The results qualitatively agree well with a documented outbreak in an elementary school but also show, in comparisons with other published data, how sensitive the assessment of the infection risk is to the amount of virus emitted on the individual amount of virus required for infection, as well as on the supply air volume. In this regard, the developed simulation model can be used as a useful virtual assessment for a detailed seat-related overview of the risk of infection, which is a significant advantage over established analytical models.
Identifying and Characterizing Medical Advice-Seekers on a Social Media Forum for Buprenorphine Use
Authors: Garcia Gian-Gabriel P. , Dehghanpoor Ramin , Stringfellow Erin J. , Gupta Marichi , Rochelle Jillian , Mason Elizabeth , Pujol Toyya A. , Jalali Mohammad S.
Published: May 2022

Background: Online communities such as Reddit can provide social support for those recovering from opioid use disorder. However, it is unclear whether and how advice-seekers differ from other users. Our research addresses this gap by identifying key characteristics of r/suboxone users that predict advice-seeking behavior. Objective: The objective of this analysis is to identify and describe advice-seekers on Reddit for buprenorphine-naloxone use using text annotation, social network analysis, and statistical modeling techniques. Methods: We collected 5258 posts and their comments from Reddit between 2014 and 2019. Among 202 posts which met our inclusion criteria, we annotated each post to determine which were advice-seeking (n = 137) or not advice-seeking (n = 65). We also annotated each posting user’s buprenorphine-naloxone use status (current versus formerly taking and, if currently taking, whether inducting or tapering versus other stages) and quantified their connectedness using social network analysis. To analyze the relationship between Reddit users’ advice-seeking and their social connectivity and medication use status, we constructed four models which varied in their inclusion of explanatory variables for social connectedness and buprenorphine use status. Results: The stepwise model containing “total degree” (p = 0.002), “using: inducting/tapering” (p < 0.001), and “using: other” (p = 0.01) outperformed all other models. Reddit users with fewer connections and who are currently using buprenorphine-naloxone are more likely to seek advice than those who are well-connected and no longer using the medication, respectively. Importantly, advice-seeking behavior is most accurately predicted using a combination of network characteristics and medication use status, rather than either factor alone. Conclusions: Our findings provide insights for the clinical care of people recovering from opioid use disorder and the nature of online medical advice-seeking overall. Clinicians should be especially attentive (e.g., through frequent follow-up) to patients who are inducting or tapering buprenorphine-naloxone or signal limited social support.
The Impact of Teacher Competence in Online Teaching on Perceived Online Learning Outcomes during the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Moderated-Mediation Model of Teacher Resilience and Age
Authors: Liu Yue , Zhao Li , Su Yu-Sheng
Published: May 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers had to conduct online classes because of the breakdown of school learning. Teacher competence has a great impact on the students’ learning outcomes in online learning. Teacher resilience is also important to help teachers survive and achieve a high level of well-being in emergency situations. Previous studies have explored the protective and risk factors of teacher resilience, among which teacher competence in various aspects is included. In addition, teachers’ age differences in competence and resilience have been the focus of past studies. However, few studies have investigated the impact of teacher competence on students’ online learning outcomes, the mediating role of teacher resilience, and the moderating effect of age when teachers participate in emergent online teaching. To address the above gap, this study explored teachers’ perceptions of students’ online learning outcomes and how teacher competence in online teaching and resilience can predict these outcomes. The data of 159,203 participants were collected and subjected to correlation analyses and a moderated-mediation effect test. The results indicated that (1) teacher competence in online teaching was positively related to perceived online learning outcomes; (2) teacher resilience was positively related to the teachers’ perceived online learning outcomes; (3) teacher resilience played a partial mediating role between teacher competence in online teaching and perceived online learning outcomes; and (4) teachers’ age moderated the direct and indirect relation between teacher competence in online teaching and perceived online learning outcomes. The findings imply that teachers should strengthen their own teaching competence and their resilience before conducting online teaching. In addition, this study proposes intervention strategies to enhance teachers’ resilience and well-being through teacher competence cultivation and provides suggestions for different age levels of teachers to develop and train their online teaching competence and resilience in the future.
Metabolic-Syndrome-Related Comorbidities in Narcolepsy Spectrum Disorders: A Preliminary Cross-Sectional Study in Japan
Authors: Futenma Kunihiro , Takaesu Yoshikazu , Nakamura Masaki , Hayashida Kenichi , Takeuchi Noboru , Inoue Yuichi
Published: May 2022

Narcolepsy types 1 (NT1) and 2 (NT2) and idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) are thought to be a disease continuum known as narcolepsy spectrum disorders (NSDs). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with metabolic-syndrome-related disorders (MRDs) among patients with NSD. Japanese patients with NSD (NT1, n = 94; NT2, n = 83; and IH, n = 57) aged ≥35 years were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. MRD was defined as having at least one of the following conditions: hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. Demographic variables and MRD incidence were compared among patients in the respective NSD categories. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the factors associated with MRDs. Patients with NT1 had a higher body mass index (BMI) and incidence of MRD than that had by those with NT2 or IH. Age, BMI, and the presence of OSA were significantly associated with the incidence of MRD in NSDs. Age and BMI in NT1, BMI and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQB1*06:02 positivity in NT2, and only age in IH were factors associated with the incidence of MRD. Obesity should be carefully monitored in narcolepsy; however, NT2 with HLA-DQB1*06:02 positive should be followed up for the development of MRD even without obesity.
Experimental Study on Dust Suppression Effect and Performance of New Nano-Composite Dust Suppressant
Authors: Li Ming , Song Xinzhu , Li Gang , Tang Jiao , Li Zhi
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a nano-composite dust suppressant has been proposed to make up for the deficiency in wettability and moisturizing performance of a nanofluid dust suppressant. The nanometer material Al2O3, super absorbent polymer, carboxyl methyl starch sodium, and polyacrylamide were selected as effective components of it. The surface tension of the solution, evaporation resistance, and uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) were chosen as evaluation index to compare the suppression performance, these dust suppressants include the water, nanofluid dust suppressant and nano-composite dust suppressant, and the surface morphology of each tested material was observed by micro image analysis system. It was found that the surface tension and water loss rates of the nano-composite dust suppressants, respectively, decreased by 31.96% and 7.1%, and the maximum UCS increased by 31.82% compared with data of nanofluid dust suppressants. Since the nano-composite dust suppressant has good dispersion, permeability and bond performance, the suppressant film has fewer micro-cracks from the photos of microscopic image; it can improve the compactness and integrity of dust consolidation to prevent the evaporation of water and dust re-entrainment.