bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing P300-Based Brain-Computer Interfaces with Hybrid Transfer Learning: A Data Alignment and Fine-Tuning Approach
Authors: Kilani Sepideh , Aghili Seyedeh Nadia , Hulea Mircea
Published: May 2023

A new approach is introduced to address the subject dependency problem in P300-based brain-computer interfaces (BCI) by using transfer learning. The occurrence of P300, an event-related potential, is primarily associated with changes in natural neuron activity and elicited in response to infrequent stimuli, which can be monitored non-invasively through an electroencephalogram. However, implementing P300-based BCI in real-time requires many training samples and time-consuming calibration, making it challenging to use in practical applications. To tackle these challenges, the proposed approach harnesses the high-level feature extraction capability of a deep neural network, achieved through fine-tuning. To ensure similar distributions of feature extraction data, the approach of aligning data in Euclidean space is employed, which is then applied to a discriminatively restricted Boltzmann machine with a single layer for P300 detection. The performance of the proposed method on the BCI Competition III dataset II and the BCI competition II dataset II, the state-of-the-art dataset, was evaluated and compared with previous studies. The results showed that robust performance could be achieved using a small number of training samples, demonstrating the effectiveness of the transfer learning approach in P300-based BCI applications.
Self-Adaptive Differential Evolution with Gauss Distribution for Optimal Mechanism Design
Authors: Nguyen Van-Tinh , Tran Vu-Minh , Bui Ngoc-Tam
Published: May 2023

Differential evolution (DE) is one of the best evolutionary algorithms (EAs). In recent decades, many techniques have been developed to enhance the performance of this algorithm, such as the Improve Self-Adaptive Differential Evolution (ISADE) algorithm. Based on the analysis of the aspects that may improve the performance of ISADE, we proposed a modified ISADE version with applying the Gauss distribution for mutation procedure. In ISADE, to determine the scaling factor (F), the population is ranked, then, based on the rank number, population size, and current generation, the formula of the Sigmoid function is used. In the proposed algorithm, F is amplified by a factor which is generated based on Gaussian distribution. It has the potential to enhance the variety of population. In comparison with several reference algorithms regarding converging speed and the consistency of optimal solutions, the simulation results reveal the performance of the suggested algorithm is exceptional.
Study of the Briquetting Process of Walnut Shells for Pyrolysis and Combustion
Authors: Font Rafael , Villar Estefanía , Garrido María Angeles , Moreno Ana Isabel , Gómez-Rico María Francisca , Ortuño Nuria
Published: May 2023

Walnut shells can be used as fuels in power plants directly or as biochars obtained by pyrolysis or torrefaction. They are an example of clean waste biomass which shows a low ash content and a high Net Calorific Value, making them excellent for energy recovery in industrial and non-industrial applications, such as in bakeries, restaurants, and homes. Their main inconvenience is their low bulk density. Densification is a possible solution that reduces the costs of transportation, handling, and storage. In this work, after the characterization of the walnut shells, briquettes were obtained using a hydraulic piston press briquette machine under different conditions to find the best quality without the need for previous grinding for pelletizing. This method features easy operation and maintenance, and the briquette shape could be adapted as desired. The quality of the briquettes was measured through their density and durability. After fixing a compaction pressure to obtain acceptable briquettes, the factors affecting their quality were studied: operating temperature, moisture content, and the presence of small amounts of walnuts. Good quality briquettes were obtained with a compaction pressure of 66 MPa, with densities around 1040 kg/m3, and durabilities higher than 94% when the process was carried at 140 °C. The greatest increase in durability was observed between briquettes obtained at room temperature and those obtained at 80 °C. The presence of small amounts of walnuts, common after the shelling process, improved the durability. Although water is necessary, briquettes obtained from biomass with only 1% of moisture showed better durabilities. Therefore, walnut shells are suitable for obtaining good quality briquettes according to the specifications of solid biofuels established in the standards, without the need for any pretreatment.
Optimal Driving Model for Connected and Automated Electric Freight Vehicles in a Wireless Charging Scenario at Signalised Intersections
Authors: Wang Wenbo , Fan Songhua , Wang Zijian , Yao Xinpeng , Mu Kenan
Published: May 2023

Electric freight vehicles have become an important means of transportation in connected and automated environments owing to their numerous advantages. However, the generally short driving range of connected and automated electric freight vehicles (CAEFVs) does not satisfy the growing transport demand. In this study, wireless charging technology is employed to construct a complex driving scenario including urban roads and dynamic wireless charging facilities. A combination of variable-scale elements consisting of vehicles, roads, and the environment is analysed hierarchically to develop a wireless charging scheme for urban transport systems. Using passage efficiency, energy consumption, and passenger comfort as the joint optimisation objectives, an optimal driving model for CAEFVs in wireless charging scenarios at signalised intersections combining scenario boundaries and vehicle dynamic constraints is proposed. Considering the differentiated charging needs of vehicles, this model is divided into a time priority strategy (TPS), balance priority strategy (BPS), and charging priority strategy (CPS). The obtained results reveal that the CPS is superior to the TPS in terms of the charging benefits but requires a longer travel time. Meanwhile, the BPS increases the charging benefits and passing efficiency. This study provides guidance for the deployment of wireless charging lanes with a high application value.
An Improved Few-Shot Object Detection via Feature Reweighting Method for Insulator Identification
Authors: Wu Junpeng , Zhou Yibo
Published: May 2023

To address the issue of low accuracy in insulator object detection within power systems due to a scarcity of image sample data, this paper proposes a method for identifying insulator objects based on improved few-shot object detection through feature reweighting. The approach utilizes a meta-feature transfer model in conjunction with the improved YOLOv5 network to realize insulator recognition under conditions of few-shot. Firstly, the feature extraction module of the model incorporates an improved self-calibrated feature extraction network to extract feature information from multi-scale insulators. Secondly, the reweighting module integrates the SKNet attention mechanism to facilitate precise segmentation of the mask. Finally, the multi-stage non-maximum suppression algorithm is designed in the prediction layer, and the penalty function about confidence is set. The results of multiple prediction boxes are retained to reduce the occurrence of false detection and missing detection. For the poor detection results due to a low diversity of sample space, the transfer learning strategy is applied in the training to transfer the entire trained model to the detection of insulator targets. The experimental results show that the insulator detection mAP reaches 29.6%, 36.0%, and 48.3% at 5-shot, 10-shot, and 30-shot settings, respectively. These findings serve as evidence of improved accuracy levels of the insulator image detection under the condition of few shots. Furthermore, the proposed method enables the recognition of insulators under challenging conditions such as defects, occlusion, and other special circumstances.
Ophthalmic Manifestation in Neurofibromatosis Type 2
Authors: Armentano Marta , Lucchino Luca , Alisi Ludovico , Chicca Antonio Valerio , Di Martino Valerio , Miraglia Emanuele , Iannetti Ludovico , Comberiati Anna Maria , Giustini Sandra , Lambiase Alessandro , Moramarco Antonietta
Published: May 2023

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a genetically determined tumor-predisposing syndrome. Ocular manifestations include cataracts, epiretinal membranes, retinal hamartomas, optic disk gliomas, and optic nerve sheath meningiomas. Moreover, optic disk edema, optical atrophy, motility disorders, pupil and lid dysfunction, and neurotrophic keratitis can be observed as indirect signs. An observational study was conducted with the aim to collect clinical data and describe the most frequent NF2 ocular manifestations. Fourteen patients affected by NF2, according to the Manchester criteria, were enrolled. All patients underwent complete ophthalmologic and orthoptic evaluation and a spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Ocular manifestations were present in all patients. The slit lamp evaluation of the anterior segment highlighted cataracts in five patients, keratitis in two patients, corneal leukoma in two patients, and corneal pannus in one patient. Fundus oculi and OCT evaluation identified epiretinal membranes in four patients, vitreoretinal tufts in three patients, optic nerve edema in one patient, and retinal hamartoma in one patient. Moreover, the orthoptic evaluation identified different types of ocular motility disorders in seven patients. This is a descriptive study of a rare disease with poor previous literature. Clinical data are shown, emphasizing the role of NF2-specific ophthalmological and orthoptic findings to help establish an early diagnosis.
The Body Composition Effects on Physical Tests and On-Court Game Performance of U-14 Elite Portuguese Basketball Players
Authors: Ramos Sérgio , Volossovitch Anna , Ferreira António Paulo , Teles Júlia , Fragoso Isabel , Massuça Luís Miguel
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of body composition, particularly body fat percentage (BF%) and fat-free mass (FFM), on physical fitness and players’ on-court performance in U-14 elite Portuguese basketball players. A total of 166 male basketball players (age, 13.80 ± 0.38 years) and 131 female basketball players (age, 13.57 ± 0.55 years) from under-14 (U-14) elite regional teams were evaluated. Differences between body composition groups, regarding physical tests and performance-related variables, adjusted for years at age peak velocity (YAPHV), were evaluated using ANCOVA tests, for male and female players. Results showed that: (i) low body fat male players jumped significantly higher and had more relative jumping power, were faster, and had better game performance than higher body fat male players, (ii) higher fat-free mass male players revealed significantly higher upper body strength and gained more rebounds than other players, (iii) higher body fat female players threw the medicinal ball further than other female players, and (iv) higher fat-free mass female players had significantly more upper body strength and jumped significantly lower than low fat-free mass female players. In conclusion, BF% seems to be oppositely associated with physical fitness and on-court performance in male basketball players, and FFM seems to be related to upper body strength in both sexes. Coaches should promote interventions that target lower BF% and ideal FFM mass values to improve physical and on-court performance in youth basketball.
Comparison of Trace Element Deposition in Cupressus macrocarpa Leaves and Soils from a High-Pollution Area in the Puchuncaví Valley (Chile) Using a Biomonitoring Method
Authors: Gorena Tamara , Sandoval Franco , Fadic Ximena , Cereceda-Balic Francisco
Published: May 2023

Located in the Puchuncaví Valley (PV) in central Chile is one of the most important and oldest industrial complexes (ICs) in the country. The PV is affected by anthropogenic emissions from the IC where the most important industry is a copper smelter and refinery. In this context, this study assessed the profile, concentration, and enrichment factors of the trace elements, both in the soil and in Cupressus macrocarpa leaves from this high-pollution-load area. The soil and leaf samples were taken from five selected sites, located between 0.8 and 15 km away from the IC. A total of 24 elements were analyzed by ICP-MS and examined by enrichment factor (EF), and PCA source analysis. Leaf concentrations of Ba, Ca, Cd, Cu, K, and Sr showed statistically significant differences between sampling sites (p-value < 0.05). In soil, element concentrations of Al, As, Ba, Cr, Cu, K, Li Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, and Ti showed statistically significant differences between sampling sites (p-value < 0.05). The source analysis of EFs in the samples of both soil and leaves detected three and four factors, respectively, related mainly to the industrial complex’s copper smelter and refinery, coal-fired power plants, and geogenic sources. According to the PCA, the leaf EFs of anthropogenic elements from copper smelting showed that La Greda (LG, site closest to the IC) was significantly enriched in the elements Cu, Zn, As, Mo, and Pb, while the EF in the soil from LG showed high enrichment in Cu and significant enrichment in Pb.
The Vertical Distributions of Aerosol Optical Characteristics Based on Lidar in Nanyang City from 2021 to 2022
Authors: Zhang Miao , Guo Si , Wang Yunuo , Chen Shiyong , Chen Jinhan , Chen Mingchun , Bilal Muhammad
Published: May 2023

To investigate the vertical distribution of aerosol optical characteristics in Nanyang City, a ground-based dual-wavelength (532 nm and 355 nm) lidar system was developed for aerosol observation at the Nanyang Normal University Station (NYNU) from November 2021 to December 2022. Spatio-temporal dynamics information on vertical distributions of aerosol optical properties during polluted and non-polluted days was obtained. Aerosols were characterized by low altitudes (up to 2 km), thinner layers, and high-altitude (up to 4 km) thick layers during non-polluted and polluted days, with extinction coefficient values of ~0.03 km−1 and ~0.2 km−1, respectively. The mean values of the extinction coefficient at different altitudes (0~5 km) were all about ten-times higher on polluted days (0.04~0.19 km−1) than on non-polluted days (0.004~0.02 km−1). These results indicate that aerosol loadings and variations at different altitudes (0~5 km) were much higher and more prominent on polluted days than non-polluted days. The results show ten-times larger aerosol optical depth (AOD) values (0.4~0.6) on polluted days than on non-polluted days (0.05~0.08). At the same time, AOD values on both polluted and non-polluted days slightly decreased from 19:00 to 05:00, possibly due to dry depositions at nighttime. For the first time, this study established a ground-based lidar remote sensing system to investigate the vertical distribution of atmospheric aerosol optical characteristics in Henan Province. The experimental results can provide scientific dataset support for the local government to prevent and control air pollution.
Exploring the Relationship between Hydroclimate and Lake Area in Source Area of the Yellow River: Implications for the Paleoclimate Studies
Authors: Bai Shuying , Gao Jixi , Pu Yang , Zhi Da , Yao Jiaojiao
Published: May 2023

The large tectonic lake is one of the most important water bodies in the source area of the Yellow River (SAYR), northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). It plays a key role in decelerating climatic change and regulating regional climate patterns. In this study, we used Landsat images (MSS, TM, ETM+ and OLI) of Lake Gyaring and Lake Ngoring (the Two Sisters Lakes), which are the two largest tectonic lakes in the SAYR, to determine annual lake area fluctuations from 1986 to 2020. The results show that lake area increases were generally consistent with a warming trend in the SAYR. The temperature signals were separated from the lake area changes by using a detrending analysis and found that the processed data are closely correlated with variations of precipitation and streamflow in the SAYR, and the previously reported paleoclimate records, which include the δ18O record from stalagmite, A/C (Artemisia/Chenopodiaceae) ratio from lake sediment and scPDSI (self-calibrating Palmer Drought Severity Index) from the tree ring on the northeastern margin of the QTP. The phase of relatively large lake areas typically coincides with a negative excursion in δ18O, a high A/C ratio, and elevated scPDSI values, while the opposite is true for smaller lake areas. It is suggested that the total area of the Two Sisters Lakes is closely associated with hydroclimatic conditions in the SAYR. Furthermore, an association of high TSI anomalies with the water area expansion of the Two Sisters Lakes is also observed, implying that solar activity is the key driving factor for the hydrologic variability in the SAYR on decadal timescales. The findings of our study highlight the validity of previous paleoclimate archives in the northeastern QTP and demonstrate the potential of using remote sensing techniques to investigate paleoclimate.
The Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Ambient Air Quality in Shanghai, 2022
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhang Qian , Liu Hui , Lu Mingyue
Published: May 2023

The COVID-19 lockdown contributes to the improvement of air quality. Most previous studies have attributed this to the reduction of human activity while ignoring the meteorological changes, this may lead to an overestimation or underestimation of the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on air pollution levels. To investigate this issue, we propose an XGBoost-based model to predict the concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 during the COVID-19 lockdown period in 2022, Shanghai, and thus explore the limits of anthropogenic emission on air pollution levels by comprehensively employing the meteorological factors and the concentrations of other air pollutants. Results demonstrate that actual observations of PM2.5 and PM10 during the COVID-19 lockdown period were reduced by 60.81% and 43.12% compared with the predicted values (regarded as the period without the lockdown measures). In addition, by comparing with the time series prediction results without considering meteorological factors, the actual observations of PM2.5 and PM10 during the lockdown period were reduced by 50.20% and 19.06%, respectively, against the predicted values during the non-lockdown period. The analysis results indicate that ignoring meteorological factors will underestimate the positive impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on air quality.
Time–Frequency Characteristics and SARIMA Forecasting of Atmospheric Water Vapor in East Asia
Authors: Tang Chaoli , Tong Ziyue , Wei Yuanyuan , Wu Xin , Tian Xiaomin , Yang Jie
Published: May 2023

Given the increasing impact of extreme rainfall and flooding on human life, studying and predicting changes in atmospheric water vapor (AWV) becomes particularly important. This paper analyzes the moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) data of the East Asian region from January 2003 to February 2023. The AWV data are examined in the time and frequency domain using methods such as empirical orthogonal function (EOF), Mann–Kendall (MK) analysis, and others. Additionally, four prediction models are applied to forecast the monthly average AWV data for the next year. The accuracy of these models is evaluated using metrics such as mean square error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and coefficient of determination (R2). The findings reveal several key insights: (1) The East Asian region exhibits highly variable seasonal variability in AWV, with identified mutation points after the MK test. (2) Spatial analysis shows high AWV data in the southern coastal areas of China, Thailand, Myanmar, Nansha Islands, and other regions during winter, while the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau region experiences low AWV during summer. (3) The first mode obtained through EOF decomposition contributes over 60% of the variance. Analysis of this mode reveals an increasing trend in AWV data for regions such as the Indian peninsula, Mongolia, and central and northeastern China over the past nine years. Conversely, the Bay of Bengal, Spratly Islands, eastern coast, and certain areas display a decreasing trend. (4) Employing the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD), the study identifies AWV data as a non-stationary series with an overall decreasing trend from 2003 to 2022. The filtered AWV series undergoes fast Fourier transform (FFT), uncovering periodicities of 2.6 years, 5 years, and 19 years. (5) Among the four forecasting models compared, the seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average model (SARIMA) demonstrates superior performance with the smallest MSE of 0.00782, MAE of 0.06977, RMSE of 0.08843, and the largest R2 value of 0.98454. These results clearly indicate that the SARIMA model provides the best fit. Therefore, the SARIMA forecasting model can be effectively utilized for forecasting AWV data, offering valuable insights for studying weather variability.
Direct Electron Transfer of Glucose Oxidase on Pre-Anodized Paper/Carbon Electrodes Modified through Zero-Length Cross-Linkers for Glucose Biosensors
Authors: Henao-Pabon Gilberto , Gao Ning , Prasad K. Sudhakara , Li XiuJun
Published: May 2023

A disposable paper-based glucose biosensor with direct electron transfer (DET) of glucose oxidase (GOX) was developed through simple covalent immobilization of GOX on a carbon electrode surface using zero-length cross-linkers. This glucose biosensor exhibited a high electron transfer rate (ks, 3.363 s−1) as well as good affinity (km, 0.03 mM) for GOX while keeping innate enzymatic activities. Furthermore, the DET-based glucose detection was accomplished by employing both square wave voltammetry and chronoamperometric techniques, and it achieved a glucose detection range from 5.4 mg/dL to 900 mg/dL, which is wider than most commercially available glucometers. This low-cost DET glucose biosensor showed remarkable selectivity, and the use of the negative operating potential avoided interference from other common electroactive compounds. It has great potential to monitor different stages of diabetes from hypoglycemic to hyperglycemic states, especially for self-monitoring of blood glucose.
Pineal Abnormalities in Psychosis and Mood Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chauhan Satyam , Barbanta Andrei , Ettinger Ulrich , Kumari Veena
Published: May 2023

The pineal gland (PG) is a small interhemispheric brain structure that influences human physiology in many ways, most importantly via secretion of the hormone melatonin which is known to regulate sleep and wakefulness. Here, we systematically reviewed existing neuroimaging studies of PG structure, and/or melatonin release (MLT) in psychosis and mood disorders. Medline, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched (on 3 February 2023), yielding 36 studies (8 PG volume, 24 MLT). The findings showed smaller-than-normal PG volume in people with schizophrenia, regardless of symptom severity and illness stage; and smaller-than-normal PG volume in major depression, with some indication of this being present only in certain subgroups, or in those with high scores on the ‘loss of interest’ symptom. There was considerable evidence of lower-than-normal MLT as well as aberrant MLT secretion pattern in schizophrenia. A similar picture, though less consistent than that seen in schizophrenia, emerged in major depression and bipolar disorder, with some evidence of a transient lowering of MLT following the initiation of certain antidepressants in drug-withdrawn patients. Overall, PG and MLT aberrations appear to represent transdiagnostic biomarkers for psychosis and mood disorders, but further work is needed to establish their clinical correlates and treatment implications.
A Brief History of Stereotactic Atlases: Their Evolution and Importance in Stereotactic Neurosurgery
Authors: Conti Alfredo , Gambadauro Nicola Maria , Mantovani Paolo , Picciano Canio Pietro , Rosetti Vittoria , Magnani Marcello , Lucerna Sebastiano , Tuleasca Constantin , Cortelli Pietro , Giannini Giulia
Published: May 2023

Following the recent acquisition of unprecedented anatomical details through state-of-the-art neuroimaging, stereotactic procedures such as microelectrode recording (MER) or deep brain stimulation (DBS) can now rely on direct and accurately individualized topographic targeting. Nevertheless, both modern brain atlases derived from appropriate histological techniques involving post-mortem studies of human brain tissue and the methods based on neuroimaging and functional information represent a valuable tool to avoid targeting errors due to imaging artifacts or insufficient anatomical details. Hence, they have thus far been considered a reference guide for functional neurosurgical procedures by neuroscientists and neurosurgeons. In fact, brain atlases, ranging from the ones based on histology and histochemistry to the probabilistic ones grounded on data derived from large clinical databases, are the result of a long and inspiring journey made possible thanks to genial intuitions of great minds in the field of neurosurgery and to the technical advancement of neuroimaging and computational science. The aim of this text is to review the principal characteristics highlighting the milestones of their evolution.
Increased Interpersonal Brain Synchronization in Romantic Couples Is Associated with Higher Honesty: An fNIRS Hyperscanning Study
Authors: Shao Chong , Zhang Xuecheng , Wu You , Zhang Wenhai , Sun Binghai
Published: May 2023

Previous studies on the brain–brain interaction of deception have shown different patterns of interpersonal brain synchronization (IBS) between different genders. However, the brain–brain mechanisms in the cross-sex composition need to be better understood. Furthermore, there needs to be more discussion about how relationships (e.g., romantic couples vs. strangers) affect the brain–brain mechanism under interactive deception. To elaborate on these issues, we used the functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)-based hyperscanning approach to simultaneously measure interpersonal brain synchronization (IBS) in romantic couples (heterosexual) and cross-sex stranger dyads during the sender–receiver game. The behavioral results found that the deception rate of males was lower than that of females, and romantic couples were deceived less than strangers. Significantly increased IBS was observed in the frontopolar cortex (FPC) and right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ) of the romantic couple group. Moreover, the IBS is negatively correlated with the deception rate. No significantly increased IBS was observed in cross-sex stranger dyads. The result corroborated the lower deception of males and romantic couples in cross-sex interactions. Furthermore, IBS in the PFC and rTPJ was the underlying dual-brain neural basis for supporting honesty in romantic couples.
Different Types of Survey-Based Environmental Representations: Egocentric vs. Allocentric Cognitive Maps
Authors: Kozhevnikov Maria , Puri Jyotika
Published: May 2023

The goal of the current study was to show the existence of distinct types of survey-based environmental representations, egocentric and allocentric, and provide experimental evidence that they are formed by different types of navigational strategies, path integration and map-based navigation, respectively. After traversing an unfamiliar route, participants were either disoriented and asked to point to non-visible landmarks encountered on the route (Experiment 1) or presented with a secondary spatial working memory task while determining the spatial locations of objects on the route (Experiment 2). The results demonstrate a double dissociation between the navigational strategies underlying the formation of allocentric and egocentric survey-based representation. Specifically, only the individuals who generated egocentric survey-based representations of the route were affected by disorientation, suggesting they relied primarily on a path integration strategy combined with landmark/scene processing at each route segment. In contrast, only allocentric-survey mappers were affected by the secondary spatial working memory task, suggesting their use of map-based navigation. This research is the first to show that path integration, in conjunction with egocentric landmark processing, is a distinct standalone navigational strategy underpinning the formation of a unique type of environmental representation—the egocentric survey-based representation.
You Are Not Alone: A Serial Mediation of Social Attraction, Privacy Concerns, and Satisfaction in Voice AI Use
Authors: Choi Tae Rang , Choi Jung Hwa
Published: May 2023

The popularity of voice-activated artificial intelligence (voice AI) has grown rapidly as people continue to use smart speakers such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home to support everyday tasks. However, little is known about how loneliness relates to voice AI use, or the potential mediators in this association. This study investigates the mediating roles of users’ perceptions (i.e., social attraction, privacy concerns, and satisfaction) in the relationship between users’ social loneliness and intentions to continue using voice AI. A serial mediation model based on survey data from current voice AI users showed that users’ perceptions were positively associated with behavioral intentions. Several full serial mediations were observed: people who felt lonely perceived (1) voice AI as a more socially attractive agent and (2) had fewer privacy concerns. These aspects were each tied to satisfaction and subsequent usage intention. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
A Knowledge Graph-Based Approach to Recommending Low-Carbon Construction Schemes of Bridges
Authors: Ma Zhonggang , Zhang Siteng , Jia He , Liu Kuan , Xie Xiaofei , Qu Yuanchuang
Published: May 2023

With the development of the engineering construction industry, knowledge became an important strategic resource for construction enterprises, and knowledge graphs are an effective method for knowledge management. In the context of peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality, low carbon emission became one of the important indicators for the selection of construction schemes, and knowledge management research related to low carbon construction must be performed. This study investigated a method of incorporating low-carbon construction knowledge into the bridge construction scheme knowledge graph construction process and proposed a bridge construction scheme recommendation method that considers carbon emission constraints based on the knowledge graph and similarity calculation. First, to solve the problem of the poor fitting effect of model parameters caused by less annotation of the corpus in the bridge construction field, an improved entity recognition model was proposed for low-resource conditions with limited data. A knowledge graph of low carbon construction schemes for bridges was constructed using a small sample dataset. Then, based on the construction of this knowledge graph, the entities and relationships related to construction schemes were obtained, and the comprehensive similarity of bridge construction schemes was calculated by combining the similarity calculation principle to realize the recommendation of bridge construction schemes under different constraints. Experiments on the constructed bridge low carbon construction scheme dataset showed that the proposed model achieved good accuracy with named entity recognition tasks. The comparative analysis with the construction scheme of the project verified the validity of the proposed construction scheme considering carbon emission constraints, which can provide support for the decision of the low-carbon construction scheme of bridges.
Effects of Corporate Social Responsibility on Online Recruitment Processes in the Vietnamese Food and Beverage Industry
Authors: Khuda Kudrat , Nguyen Hong Chau Linh , Hack-Polay Dieu
Published: May 2023

This paper examines the effect of CSR perceptions on online recruitment practices and outcomes in the Vietnamese food and beverage sector. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seventeen participants, including CEOs, HR (human resource) staff and store managers. The results show that CSR perception varies and is exemplified through employee-related activities, ethical products, environment, philanthropy, and international standards. The study is novel in establishing that, despite high unemployment in developing economies, CSR communication in online recruitment sites impacts job applicants’ choice of company. While the strategic potency of CSR has been established, this study brings to light its critical significance for human resources processes, particularly online recruitment, in an emerging economy context. The study has considerable implications for practitioners and researchers, suggesting the necessity to strategically manage the interface between CSR and online recruitment.
Evaluation of the Elements of Short Hairpin RNAs in Developing shRNA-Containing CAR T Cells
Authors: Urak Ryan , Gittins Brenna , Soemardy Citradewi , Grepo Nicole , Goldberg Lior , Maker Madeleine , Shevchenko Galina , Davis Alicia , Li Shirley , Scott Tristan , Morris Kevin V. , Forman Stephen J. , Wang Xiuli
Published: May 2023

Short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) have emerged as a powerful tool for gene knockdown in various cellular systems, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. However, the elements of shRNAs that are crucial for their efficacy in developing shRNA-containing CAR T cells remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the impact of different shRNA elements, including promoter strength, orientation, multiple shRNAs, self-targeting, and sense and antisense sequence composition on the knockdown efficiency of the target gene in CAR T cells. Our findings highlight the importance of considering multiple shRNAs and their orientation to achieve effective knockdown. Moreover, we demonstrate that using a strong promoter and avoiding self-targeting can enhance CAR T cell functionality. These results provide a framework for the rational design of CAR T cells with shRNA-mediated knockdown capabilities, which could improve the therapeutic efficacy of CAR T cell-based immunotherapy.
A Reconstructed Human Melanoma-in-Skin Model to Study Immune Modulatory and Angiogenic Mechanisms Facilitating Initial Melanoma Growth and Invasion
Authors: Michielon Elisabetta , López González Marta , Stolk Dorian A. , Stolwijk Joeke G. C. , Roffel Sanne , Waaijman Taco , Lougheed Sinéad M. , de Gruijl Tanja D. , Gibbs Susan
Published: May 2023

Invasion, immune modulation, and angiogenesis are crucial in melanoma progression. Studies based on animals or two-dimensional cultures poorly recapitulate the tumor-microenvironmental cross-talk found in humans. This highlights a need for more physiological human models to better study melanoma features. Here, six melanoma cell lines (A375, COLO829, G361, MeWo, RPMI-7951, and SK-MEL-28) were used to generate an in vitro three-dimensional human melanoma-in-skin (Mel-RhS) model and were compared in terms of dermal invasion and immune modulatory and pro-angiogenic capabilities. A375 displayed the most invasive phenotype by clearly expanding into the dermal compartment, whereas COLO829, G361, MeWo, and SK-MEL-28 recapitulated to different extent the initial stages of melanoma invasion. No nest formation was observed for RPMI-7951. Notably, the integration of A375 and SK-MEL-28 cells into the model resulted in an increased secretion of immune modulatory factors (e.g., M-CSF, IL-10, and TGFβ) and pro-angiogenic factors (e.g., Flt-1 and VEGF). Mel-RhS-derived supernatants induced endothelial cell sprouting in vitro. In addition, observed A375-RhS tissue contraction was correlated to increased TGFβ release and α-SMA expression, all indicative of differentiation of fibroblasts into cancer-associated fibroblast-like cells and reminiscent of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, consistent with A375′s most prominent invasive behavior. In conclusion, we successfully generated several Mel-RhS models mimicking different stages of melanoma progression, which can be further tailored for future studies to investigate individual aspects of the disease and serve as three-dimensional models to assess efficacy of therapeutic strategies.
Novel Targets, Novel Treatments: The Changing Landscape of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: de Jong Dorine , Das Jeeban P. , Ma Hong , Pailey Valiplackal Jacienta , Prendergast Conor , Roa Tina , Braumuller Brian , Deng Aileen , Dercle Laurent , Yeh Randy , Salvatore Mary M. , Capaccione Kathleen M.
Published: May 2023

Treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has undergone a paradigm shift. Once a disease with limited potential therapies, treatment options for patients have exploded with the availability of molecular testing to direct management and targeted therapies to treat tumors with specific driver mutations. New in vitro diagnostics allow for the early and non-invasive detection of disease, and emerging in vivo imaging techniques allow for better detection and monitoring. The development of checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy has arguably been the biggest advance in lung cancer treatment, given that the vast majority of NSCLC tumors can be treated with these therapies. Specific targeted therapies, including those against KRAS, EGFR, RTK, and others have also improved the outcomes for those individuals bearing an actionable mutation. New and emerging therapies, such as bispecific antibodies, CAR T cell therapy, and molecular targeted radiotherapy, offer promise to patients for whom none of the existing therapies have proved effective. In this review, we provide the most up-to-date survey to our knowledge regarding emerging diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for lung cancer to provide clinicians with a comprehensive reference of the options for treatment available now and those which are soon to come.
Carbon-Ion Radiotherapy Combined with Concurrent Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: A Retrospective Case Series Analysis
Authors: Okamoto Masahiko , Shiba Shintaro , Kobayashi Daijiro , Miyasaka Yuhei , Okazaki Shohei , Shibuya Kei , Ohno Tatsuya
Published: May 2023

Systemic chemotherapy has significantly improved in recent years. In this study. the clinical impact of carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT) with concurrent chemotherapy for locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer (URPC) was evaluated. Methods: Patients with URPC who were treated with CIRT between January 2016 and December 2020 were prospectively registered and analyzed. The major criteria for registration were (1) diagnosed as URPC on imaging; (2) pathologically diagnosed adenocarcinoma; (3) no distant metastasis; (4) Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0–2; (5) tumors without gastrointestinal tract invasion; and (6) available for concurrent chemotherapy. Patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for more than one year prior to CIRT were excluded. Results: Forty-four patients met the inclusion criteria, and thirty-seven received NAC before CIRT. The median follow-up period of living patients was 26.0 (6.0–68.6) months after CIRT. The estimated two-year overall survival, local control, and progression-free survival rates after CIRT were 56.6%, 76.1%, and 29.0%, respectively. The median survival time of all patients was 29.6 months after CIRT and 34.5 months after the initial NAC. Conclusion: CIRT showed survival benefits for URPC even in the multiagent chemotherapy era.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Combined with Targeted Therapy: The Recent Advances and Future Potentials
Authors: Li Bin , Jin Juan , Guo Duancheng , Tao Zhonghua , Hu Xichun
Published: May 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the therapeutic landscape of cancer and have been widely approved for use in the treatment of diverse solid tumors. Targeted therapy has been an essential part of cancer treatment for decades, and in most cases, a special drug target is required. Numerous studies have confirmed the synergistic effect of combining ICIs with targeted therapy. For example, triple therapy of PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab plus BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib and MEK inhibitor cobimetinib has been approved as the first-line treatment in advanced melanoma patients with BRAFV600 mutations. However, not all combinations of ICIs and targeted therapy work. Combining ICIs with EGFR inhibitors in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutations only triggered toxicities and did not improve efficacy. Therefore, the efficacies of combinations of ICIs and different targeted agents are distinct. This review firstly and comprehensively covered the current status of studies on the combination of ICIs mainly referring to PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors and targeted drugs, including angiogenesis inhibitors, EGFR/HER2 inhibitors, PARP inhibitors and MAPK/ERK signaling pathway inhibitors, in the treatment of solid tumors. We discussed the underlying mechanisms, clinical efficacies, side effects, and potential predictive biomarkers to give an integrated view of the combination strategy and provide perspectives for future directions in solid tumors.
Partial Laryngectomy for pT4a Laryngeal Cancer: Outcomes and Limits in Selected Cases
Authors: Succo Giovanni , Bertolin Andy , Santos Izabela Costa , Tascone Martina , Lionello Marco , Fantini Marco , de Freitas Andressa Silva , Bertotto Ilaria , Sprio Andrea Elio , Sanguineti Giuseppe , Dias Fernando Luiz , Rizzotto Giuseppe , Crosetti Erika
Published: May 2023

A large multi-institutional case series of laryngeal cancer (LC) T4a was carried out, including 134 cases treated with open partial horizontal laryngectomies (OPHL) +/− post-operative radiation therapy (PORT). The goal was to understand better whether OPHL can be included among the viable options in selected pT4a LC patients who refuse a standard approach, represented by total laryngectomy (TL) + PORT. All 134 patients underwent OPHL type I (supraglottic), II (supracricoid), or III (supratracheal), according to the European Laryngological Society Classification. Comparing clinical and pathological stages showed pT up-staging in 105 cases (78.4%) and pN up-staging in 19 patients (11.4%). Five-year data on overall survival, disease-specific survival, disease-free survival, freedom from laryngectomy, and laryngo-esophageal dysfunction-free survival (rate of patients surviving without a local recurrence or requiring total laryngectomy and without a feeding tube or a tracheostomy) were, respectively, 82.1%, 89.8%, 75.7%, 89.7%, and 78.3%. Overall, complications were observed in 22 cases (16.4%). Sequelae were observed in 28 patients (20.9%). No patients died during the postoperative period. This large series highlights the good onco-functional results of low-volume pT4a laryngeal tumors, with minimal or absent cartilage destruction, treated with OPHLs. The level of standardization of the indication for OPHL should allow consideration of OPHL as a valid therapeutic option in cases where the patient refuses total laryngectomy or non-surgical protocols with concomitant chemo-radiotherapy.
Crosstalk between Thyroid Carcinoma and Tumor-Correlated Immune Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Song Mingyuan , Liu Qi , Sun Wei , Zhang Hao
Published: May 2023

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common malignancy in the endocrine system. Although most TC can achieve a desirable prognosis, some refractory thyroid carcinomas, including radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer, as well as anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, face a myriad of difficulties in clinical treatment. These types of tumors contribute to the majority of TC deaths due to limited initial therapy, recurrence, and metastasis of the tumor and tumor resistance to current clinically targeted drugs, which ultimately lead to treatment failure. At present, a growing number of studies have demonstrated crosstalk between TC and tumor-associated immune cells, which affects tumor deterioration and metastasis through distinct signal transduction or receptor activation. Current immunotherapy focuses primarily on cutting off the interaction between tumor cells and immune cells. Since the advent of immunotherapy, scholars have discovered targets for TC immunotherapy, which also provides new strategies for TC treatment. This review methodically and intensively summarizes the current understanding and mechanism of the crosstalk between distinct types of TC and immune cells, as well as potential immunotherapy strategies and clinical research results in the area of the tumor immune microenvironment. We aim to explore the current research advances to formulate better individualized treatment strategies for TC patients and to provide clues and references for the study of potential immune checkpoints and the development of immunotherapy technologies.
Pediatric Rhabdomyosarcomas of the Genitourinary Tract
Authors: Castle Jennifer T. , Levy Brittany E. , Allison Derek B. , Rodeberg David A. , Rellinger Eric J.
Published: May 2023

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in the pediatric and adolescent population, with 350 new cases diagnosed each year. While they can develop anywhere in the body, the genitourinary tract is the second most common primary location for an RMS to develop. Overall survival has improved through the increased use of protocols and multidisciplinary approaches. However, the guidelines for management continue to change as systemic and radiation therapeutics advance. Given the relative rarity of this disease compared to other non-solid childhood malignancies, healthcare providers not directly managing RMS may not be familiar with their presentation and updated management. This review aims to provide foundational knowledge of the management of RMSs with an emphasis on specific management paradigms for those arising from the genitourinary tract. The genitourinary tract is the second most common location for an RMS to develop but varies greatly in symptomology and survival depending on the organ of origin. As the clinical understanding of these tumors advances, treatment paradigms have evolved. Herein, we describe the breadth of presentations for genitourinary RMSs with diagnostic and treatment management considerations, incorporating the most recently available guidelines and societal consensus recommendations.