bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Neuropsychiatric Manifestations
Authors: Vidrio Aranza Llorente , Nicolini Humberto , Zarate Carlos Tovilla , Castro Thelma Gonzales , Rojop Isela Juárez , Magaña Jaime Martínez , López Nicolás Martínez , Mendoza Alma Delia Genis
Published: September 2022

Coronaviruses are neurotropic viruses capable of entering the brain through various mechanisms and generating an important inflammatory response that is capable of triggering neuropsychiatric manifestations. Several reports describe the appearance of different conditions, such as sleep problems, anxiety and depression disorders, acute psychotic disorders, encephalitis, and delirium, among others, associated with COVID-19 infection. We performed a literature review in PubMed, Springer, Nature, MDPI, and other scientific journals on the relationship between COVID-19 infection with the development and aggravation of neuropsychiatric manifestations explained by molecular changes secondary to SARS-CoV-2 where it was found that there is a relationship between the virus and the development of these manifestations. Prospective neuropsychiatric follow-up of people exposed to SARS-CoV-2 at different points in their lives, as well as their neuroimmunological status, is necessary to fully understand the long-term impact of COVID-19 on mental health. It is required to identify the risk of developing neuropsychiatric problems due to COVID-19 infection to provide better medical care from a multidisciplinary team and improve the prognosis of these patients as well as the treatment of long-term sequelae.
Predicting Flow Stress Behavior of an AA7075 Alloy Using Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Decke Jens , Engelhardt Anna , Rauch Lukas , Degener Sebastian , Sajadifar Seyed Vahid , Scharifi Emad , Steinhoff Kurt , Niendorf Thomas , Sick Bernhard
Published: September 2022

The present work focuses on the prediction of the hot deformation behavior of thermo-mechanically processed precipitation hardenable aluminum alloy AA7075. The data considered focus on a novel hot forming process at different tool temperatures ranging from 24∘C to 350∘C to set different cooling rates after solution heat-treatment. Isothermal uniaxial tensile tests in the temperature range of 200∘C to 400∘C and at strain rates ranging from 0.001 s−1 to 0.1 s−1 were carried out on four different material conditions. The present paper mainly focuses on a comparative study of modeling techniques based on Machine Learning (ML) and the Zerilli–Armstrong model (Z–A) as reference. Related work focuses on predicting single data points of the curves that the model was trained on. Due to the way data were split with respect to training and testing data, it is possible to predict entire stress–strain curves. The model allows to decrease the number of required laboratory experiments, eventually saving costs and time in future experiments. While all investigated ML methods showed a higher performance than the Z–A model, the extreme Gradient Boosting model (XGB) showed superior results, i.e., the highest error reduction of 91% with respect to the Mean Squared Error.
A Deep-Ultraviolet Photodetector of a Hybrid Organic-Inorganic p-CoPc/n-Ga2O3 Heterostructure Highlighting Ultra-Sensitive
Authors: Qi Xiaohui , Ji Xueqiang , Yue Jianying , Qi Song , Wang Jinjin , Li Peigang , Tang Weihua
Published: September 2022

A practical method for organic–inorganic hybrid heterojunction photodetector by spin-coating the cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) solution onto the β-gallium oxide (β-Ga2O3) film is available to realize the sensitive detection of ultraviolet light signals. We have carefully measured and calculated the optoelectronic performance of the prepared device. The device demonstrates excellent rectification characteristics under different light intensities, and the rectification ratio reaches 144.96 under 900 μW/cm2 at ±5 V. Benefiting from the construction of CoPc/Ga2O3 heterojunction, the device shows an extremely low dark current of 5.73 fA, a high detectivity of 1.92 × 1017 Jones, a responsivity of 18.4 mA/W, and a high light-to-dark current ratio of 3.76 × 106. In addition, the intrinsic physical mechanism of the device is investigated through the energy band diagram under different conditions. The device is equipped with the possibility to work under self-powered mode and has good stability in the air environment.
The Bioactive Mg-Zn-Gd Wire Enhances Musculoskeletal Regeneration: An In Vitro Study
Authors: He Xuan , Li Ye , Miao Hongwei , Sun Jiang , Ong Michael , Zu Haiyue , Li Weishi
Published: September 2022

Magnesium (Mg)-based implants were extensively developed and tested to improve the shortages of traditional hard metal implants. Unlike the nail, screw, and plate, pure Mg wire is rarely applied in the musculoskeletal system because of its poor mechanical properties. Therefore, we developed the magnesium–zinc–gadolinium (ZG21) alloy wire, which presented good mechanical properties. Before the in vivo study, the in vitro tests were carried out in this study. The ZG21 wire was scanned by SEM/EDS. The changing rate of weight and pH values were recorded during degradation. The corrosion interface was scanned by SEM/EDS. The cytotoxicity of metal extracts, Mg, Zn, and Gd ions was tested. The osteogenic and angiogenic potential was also evaluated. The ZG21 wire degraded at a stable speed in 14 days. The extracts were diluted ten times, and the correspondent ion concentration presented low cytotoxicity for cell lines of pre-osteoblasts, fibroblasts, and endothelial vessel cells. Pre-osteoblast cell lines cultured with 10% extracts presented significantly higher osteogenic potential. Endothelial vessel cell lines cultured with 2.5, 5, and 10 mM Mg2+ presented significantly higher angiogenic potential. The ZG21 wire could maintain an intact structure when making a surgical knot. Its degradation process and products presented low toxicity and potential for osteogenesis and angiogenesis. The ZG21 wire could be identified as a safe and bioactive material for further in vivo musculoskeletal regeneration.
Sex Differences in Ischemic Cerebral Infarction: A Nationwide German Real-Life Analysis from 2014 to 2019
Authors: Lappe Claudia , Reinecke Holger , Feld Jannik , Köppe Jeanette
Published: September 2022

Female sex has been shown to be associated with an unfavorable outcome after ischemic stroke. In this nationwide analysis, we evaluate a large dataset of patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke to elucidate the factors associated with an increased risk of mortality after stroke in women. We analyzed a nationwide dataset from the German Federal Bureau of Statistics including 1,577,884 (761,537 female sex, 48.3%) in-hospital cases admitted between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2019 with a primary diagnosis of acute ischemic cerebral infarction. Patients were analyzed regarding morbidity, treatments and in-hospital mortality. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed, adjusted by patients’ risk profile including age, to evaluate the association of sex and in-hospital mortality. According to the median, women were older than men (79 years vs. 73 years). The multiple logistic regression analysis however revealed female sex remained an independent factor for an increased in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–1.14; p < 0.001). Women had a higher prevalence of relevant risk factors, namely arterial hypertension (77.0% vs. 74.7%), arterial fibrillation (33.3% vs. 25.6%), chronic heart failure (12.3% vs. 9.7%), chronic kidney disease (15.6% vs. 12.9%) and dementia (6.6% vs. 4.1%), but were less affected with respect to other relevant co-morbidities such as cerebrovascular disease (11.7% vs. 15.1%), coronary heart disease (11.7% vs. 18.8%), diabetes mellitus (26.4% vs. 29.6%), dyslipidemia (38.1% vs. 42.0%), ischemic heart disease (12.3% vs. 19.3%) and previous coronary artery bypass grafting (1.1% vs. 3.2%). Overall, therapeutic interventions were performed less frequently in women such as carotid endarterectomy (1.1% vs. 2.3%), carotid stent (0.7% vs. 1.4%), as well as hematoma drainage (0.1% vs. 0.2%), and renal replacement therapy (0.4% vs. 0.6%). Conclusions: Our nationwide analysis revealed a higher mortality rate after stroke in women. Nevertheless, women had fewer in-hospital complications and were also less likely to experience the severe effects of some important co-morbidities. The dataset, however, showed that women received surgical or interventional carotid treatments after stroke less often. It is important for research on sex disparities in stroke to keep these treatment frequency differences in mind.
Different Chromosome Segregation Patterns Coexist in the Tetraploid Adriatic Sturgeon Acipenser naccarii
Authors: Dalle Palle Stefano , Boscari Elisa , Bordignon Simone Giulio , Muñoz-Mora Víctor Hugo , Bertorelle Giorgio , Congiu Leonardo
Published: September 2022

The Adriatic sturgeon, Acipenser naccarii (Bonaparte, 1836), is a critically endangered tetraploid endemism of the Adriatic region; it has been targeted, over the last 20 years, by different conservation programs based on controlled reproduction of captive breeders followed by the release of their juvenile offspring; its preservation would greatly benefit from the correct and coordinated management of the residual genetic variability available in the different captive stocks. In this sense, the setup of an efficient parental allocation procedure would allow identifying familiar groups and establishing informed breeding plans, effectively preserving genetic variation. However, being the species tetraploid, the analyses often deal with complex genome architecture and a preliminary evaluation of allele segregation patterns at different chromosomes is necessary to assess whether the species can be considered a pure tetraploid, as previously observed at some loci, or if a more complex situation is present. Here we study the segregation at 14 microsatellites loci in 12 familiar groups. Results support in different families the tetrasomic segregation pattern at 11 markers and the disomic segregation at three markers. The Adriatic sturgeon thus shows a mixed inheritance modality. In this species, and likely in other sturgeons, accurate knowledge of the loci used for paternity analysis is therefore required.
Impact of Human Imposed Pressure on Pheasants of Western Himalayas, Pakistan: Implication for Monitoring and Conservation
Authors: Jameel Muhammad Azhar , Nadeem Muhammad Sajid , Aslam Shahzad , Ullah Waheed , Ahmad Didar , Awan Muhammad Naeem , Masroor Waliullah , Mahmood Tariq , Ullah Rafi , Anjum Muhammad Zubair , Ali Kishwar , Jones David Aaron , Khan Muhammad Ezaz Hasan , Ashraf Azad
Published: September 2022

Pheasants play a distinctive and significant role in high altitudinal ecosystems. These are good indicators of environmental changes, and their presence determines the health and balance of the bio-network. Recent human pressure continues to degrade their populations, and some pheasant species are already extinct. Therefore, the current study focuses on pheasant abundance and emerging conservation issues. The pheasant population was assessed using “Call count methods” and analyzed by DISTANCE software. The results revealed that the valleys where human interference is minimum had significantly higher encounter rates and densities of pheasants. At the same time, the pheasant population was severely affected, whether found at lower or higher altitudes, showing seasonal migration toward human settlements. The habitat suitability modeling was performed using the MaxEnt model and showed that human activities overlap with the suitable natural habitats of pheasants. The threats were identified using a systematic questionnaire survey from the nearest villages of the potential habitat, and particular attention was paid to valleys where human pressures were found to be high. Major infrastructure development projects, illegal hunting, and deforestation were identified as the major threats to the pheasant population. The study concluded that proper conservation measures are required to protect pheasants in their potential habitats.
Reversing the Decline in Threatened Species through Effective Conservation Planning
Authors: Byers Onnie , Copsey Jamieson , Lees Caroline , Miller Philip , Traylor-Holzer Kathy
Published: September 2022

Despite the committed action by many in past decades, recent reviews show little progress in slowing species declines, and future waves of extinction are predicted. Not only do such declines signal a failure to meet international commitments to stem biodiversity loss and undermine the potential for achievement of the species-related target in the Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework, but they also jeopardize our ability to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, many of which rely on the resources provided by species and the ecosystems they support. A substantial increase in ambition and the application of tools at the global scale and across all elements of the species conservation cycle—Assess, Plan, and Act—is urgently needed to create swift and lasting positive change for species. Well-resourced, effectively implemented species conservation plans play a key role in meeting this challenge. Here, the IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG) presents a proven approach to species conservation planning that emphasizes the thoughtful design and facilitation of collaborative processes that feature the rigorous scientific analysis of quantitative data on species biology and impacts of anthropogenic threats and their mitigation through management. When incorporated from the beginning of a species management project, the CPSG’s principles and steps for conservation planning can help reverse the decline of threatened species.
Diversity and Community Structure of Zooplankton in Homestead Ponds of a Tropical Coastal Area
Authors: Karmakar Sima Rani , Hossain Mohammad Belal , Sarker Md. Milon , Nur As-Ad Ujjaman , Habib Ahasan , Paray Bilal Ahamad , Al-Sadoon Mohammad Khalid , Gulnaz Aneela , Arai Takaomi
Published: September 2022

As an intermediary connection between primary producers and higher trophic levels, zooplankton are an important component of the aquatic food chain, contributing significantly to aquatic biological productivity. This study describes the zooplankton diversity and community structure, as well as their relationships with ecological factors, in homestead ponds of a coastal district along the northern Bay of Bengal region. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were detected in the mean values of temperature, pH, DO, TDS, transparency, and phosphates from the ponds during December 2020, but no significant differences were found in the nitrate levels. However, no significant variances in the ecological parameters between months were found due to the study taking place in the same season. Sixteen zooplankton species, representing four groups, were found in the study area, with the highest mean abundance of 301.19 ± 40.55 ind./L recorded in February 2021 and the lowest of 293.02 ± 21.13 ind./L recorded in December 2020. The diversity (H’), evenness (e), richness (J), and dominance (D) ranged from 2.49 to 2.12, from 0.93 to 0.84, from 2.05 to 1.56, and from 0.13 to 0.09, respectively. Based on the SIMPER analysis, Diaptomus gracilis and Brachionus calyciflorus were found to be significant contributors (>10%) to the zooplankton community structure in different months. The ANOSIM results revealed that 10 species of zooplankton were significant contributors based on their average dissimilarity. The canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) identified that pH, transparency, nitrates, and phosphates have a significant impact on the abundance of zooplankton species in the homestead ponds in the study area.
Cutaneous Involvement of Extranodal NK/T Cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type, a Clinical and Histopathological Mimicker of Various Skin Diseases
Authors: Ngamdamrongkiat Preeyawat , Sukpanichnant Sanya , Chairatchaneeboon Manasmon , Khuhapinant Archrob , Sitthinamsuwan Panitta
Published: September 2022

Background: Extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENK/T) with cutaneous involvement has various histopathological findings and diverse clinical manifestations. Methods: A retrospective study of cutaneous involvement of ENK/T lymphoma between 2006 and 2018 was conducted. Results: Twenty-two cases were eligible for this study. Twelve cases could be proven as secondary cutaneous involvement by ENK/T lymphoma, while the remaining could not be confirmed as primary cutaneous ENK/T lymphoma. The histopathological patterns included dermal and subcutaneous nodular infiltration pattern in 11/22 cases (50%), lobular panniculitis pattern in 6/22 cases (27.3%), interface dermatitis pattern in 4/22 cases (18.2%), and granulomatous dermatitis pattern in 1/22 case (4.5%). The median follow-up was 18.3 months. Overall, the one-year and five-year survival rates were 31.3% and 13.3%, respectively. Conclusions: A variety of histopathological patterns of cutaneous involvement by ENK/T lymphoma should be differentiated from other cutaneous lymphomas, dermatitis, and infection. When atypical medium or large-sized lymphoid cells are encountered within skin lesions, pathologists should realize these lesions can be ENK/T lymphoma, especially in cases with coexisting tumor necrosis or angioinvasion. A complete evaluation of the upper aerodigestive tract is mandatory to identify the occult primary site of ENK/T lymphoma before establishing primary cutaneous ENK/T lymphoma.
Homocysteine as a Predictor of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation-Related Events: A Scoping Review of the Literature
Authors: Charalampidis Panagiotis , Teperikidis Eleftherios , Boulmpou Aristi , Papadopoulos Christodoulos E. , Potoupni Victoria , Tsioni Konstantina , Rakitzi Pantelitsa , Karamitsos Theodoros , Vassilikos Vassilios
Published: September 2022

High levels of homocysteine (Hcy) have been linked with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, such as arrhythmias and stroke. In the context of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), hyperhomocysteinemia has been demonstrated to be an independent predictor of future events. The aim of this report was to address the potential value of Hcy levels in predicting future paroxysms of atrial fibrillation (AF), as well as to identify the potential mechanisms of action. We searched PubMed and the Cochrane Database on 16 January 2022. Keywords used were homocysteine or hyperhomocysteinemia paired with a total of 67 different keywords or phrases that have been implicated with the pathogenesis of AF. We included primary reports of clinical and non-clinical data in the English language, as well as systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses. We placed no time constraints on our search strategy, which yielded 3748 results. Following title review, 3293 reports were excluded and 455 reports were used for title and abstract review, after which 109 reports were finally used for full-text review. Our review indicates that Hcy levels seem to hold a predictive value in PAF. Herein, potential mechanisms of action are presented and special considerations are made for clinically relevant diagnostic procedures that could complement plasma levels in the prediction of future PAF events. Finally, gaps of evidence are identified and considerations for future clinical trial design are presented.
Unveiling the Associations between EEG Indices and Cognitive Deficits in Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Perrottelli Andrea , Giordano Giulia Maria , Brando Francesco , Giuliani Luigi , Pezzella Pasquale , Mucci Armida , Galderisi Silvana
Published: September 2022

Cognitive dysfunctions represent a core feature of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders due to their presence throughout different illness stages and their impact on functioning. Abnormalities in electrophysiology (EEG) measures are highly related to these impairments, but the use of EEG indices in clinical practice is still limited. A systematic review of articles using Pubmed, Scopus and PsychINFO was undertaken in November 2021 to provide an overview of the relationships between EEG indices and cognitive impairment in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Out of 2433 screened records, 135 studies were included in a qualitative review. Although the results were heterogeneous, some significant correlations were identified. In particular, abnormalities in alpha, theta and gamma activity, as well as in MMN and P300, were associated with impairments in cognitive domains such as attention, working memory, visual and verbal learning and executive functioning during at-risk mental states, early and chronic stages of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. The review suggests that machine learning approaches together with a careful selection of validated EEG and cognitive indices and characterization of clinical phenotypes might contribute to increase the use of EEG-based measures in clinical settings.
Elucidation of Ischemic Mechanisms of Early Pressure Injury during Post-Decompression and Detecting Methods
Authors: Chen Lu , Takashi En , Hou Ping , Kamijo Akio , Miura Daiji , Fan Jianglin
Published: September 2022

Background: Pressure injuries (PIs) generally result from prolonged ischemia through localized skin compression, and ischemia persists and exacerbates damage even post-decompression. The mechanisms of ischemia post-decompression are still unclear, and appropriate methods for detection are lacking. Methods: We used blanchable erythema (BE) and early PI rat models. We assessed the perfusion using Evans Blue (EB) and thrombus formation under a light microscope. Furthermore, we performed a capillary refill time test (CRTT) to detect ischemia after depression coupled with the transparent disk method using a spectrophotometer. Results: Compared with the BE group, the early PI group showed significantly slow and insufficient perfusion, as determined by EB staining (p < 0.001). Histological observations revealed that ischemia during post-decompression of early PI was caused by a greater amount of thrombi. The CRTT results showed that although both groups exhibited varying degrees of insufficient refilling volume, the early PI group had significantly slower refilling than the BE group (p < 0.001), which persisted during the deterioration or disappearance of erythema. Conclusions: Our results showed that persistent ischemia caused by thrombi is an important cause of early PI deterioration post-decompression. Therefore, the performance of CRTT coupled with the transparent disc method may become a promising method for detecting ischemia post-decompression.
Determination of Diphtheria Toxin in Bacterial Cultures by Enzyme Immunoassay
Authors: Simonova Maria A. , Melnikov Vyacheslav G. , Lakhtina Olga E. , Komaleva Ravilya L. , Berger Anja , Sing Andreas , Zavriev Sergey K.
Published: September 2022

Since diphtheria toxin (DT) is the main virulence factor of Corynebacterium diphtheriae and C. ulcerans, the detection of DT in corynebacterial cultures is of utmost importance in the laboratory diagnosis of diphtheria. The need to measure the level of DT production (LTP) arises when studying the virulence of a strain for the purpose of diphtheria agent monitoring. To determine the LTP of diphtheria agents, an immunoassay based on monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has been developed. A pair of mAbs specific to the fragment B of DT was selected, which makes it possible to detect DT in a sandwich ELISA with a detection limit of DT less than 1 ng/mL. Sandwich ELISA was used to analyze 218 liquid culture supernatants of high-, low- and non-toxigenic strains of various corynebacteria. It was shown that the results of ELISA are in good agreement with the results of PCR and the Elek test for the tox gene and DT detection, respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity of the assay was approximately 99%, and specificity was 100%. It has been found that strains of C. ulcerans, on average, produce 10 times less DT than C. diphtheriae. The mAbs used in the ELISA proved to be quite discriminatory and could be further used for the design of the LFIA, a method that can reduce the labor and cost of laboratory diagnosis of diphtheria.
Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Bioinformatic Analysis of Biomarkers for Prognosis of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Lu Zhenhua , Zhang Wenlong , Huang Ke , Zhu Mucheng , Gu Xiaoting , Wei Defang , Shi Mingxuan , Chen Yaqiong , Wang Huihui
Published: September 2022

In previous studies, non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers showed great benefit in the early-stage diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). However, the accuracy of different biomarkers was controversial. In this study, meta-analysis and bioinformatics analysis were conducted to compare the accuracy of the following three biomarkers and explore the relationship between the gene expression levels and MPM. A systematic search of meta-analysis was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library to identify relevant studies from the inception to March 2021. QUADAS-2 for Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies was used to evaluate the quality of eligible studies. The meta-analysis was performed utilizing Stata 15.0 and Review Manager 5.4 software. The meta-analysis results showed that 31 studies that involved 8750 participants were included. The pooled sensitivity and specificity (SPE) were 0.90 (95% CI: 0.74, 0.97) and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.84, 0.95) for Fibulin-3, 0.66 (95% CI, 0.51–0.78) and 0.91 (95% CI, 0.82–0.96) for mesothelin (MSLN), 0.68 (95% CI: 0.63,0.73) and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.82,0.90) for soluble mesothelin-related peptides (SMRP), and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.66-0.80) and 0.89 (95% CI, 0.85–0.91) for MSLN + SMRP + Fibulin-3. Compared with the other two biomarkers, Fibulin-3 may be more appropriate to be one of the indicators for combined diagnosis. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the low expression level of the MSLN gene was significantly related to longer survival time and better prognosis of MPM patients. However, considering the limitation in the quality and sample size of the included research, further studies are required.
Nutritional Knowledge of the Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with Positive Attitudes and Adherence in a Non-Mediterranean Multi-Ethnic Society
Authors: Aridi Yasmine S. , Walker Jacqueline L. , Roura Eugeni , Wright Olivia R. L.
Published: September 2022

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to understand how the public in a non-Mediterranean multi-ethnic society perceived the Mediterranean dietary pattern (MDP) and its general health benefits. A total of 373 participants took part in this study. Most of the sample were young adults, females and had been living in Australia for over 10 years. Knowledge of the MDP score, attitudes towards the MDP score and an adherence to the MPD score were measured. Normality of variables was tested. Simple linear regression and Chi-squared tests were conducted to examine associations. ANOVA tests were used to report participants’ demographics across various attitudes scores. Less than half of participants were aware of the MDP guidelines, food choices and health benefits. As for adherence to the MDP, 20% of the sample were found to have high adherence to the MDP. Results also showed that participants with high knowledge about the MDP were twice more likely to have higher MDP adherence rates, OR 95% CI = 2.3 (1.3, 4.0), p-value = 0.002. This paper provided new insights about the association between nutritional knowledge and adherence to the MDP in a multi-ethnic non-Mediterranean setting.
Entropy, Statistical Evidence, and Scientific Inference: Evidence Functions in Theory and Applications
Authors: Taper Mark L. , Ponciano José Miguel , Dennis Brian
Published: September 2022

Scope and Goals of the Special Issue: There is a growing realization that despite being the essential tool of modern data-based scientific discovery and model testing, statistics has major problems [...]
Fractional Survival Functional Entropy of Engineering Systems
Authors: Alomani Ghadah , Kayid Mohamed
Published: September 2022

An alternate measure of uncertainty, termed the fractional generalized cumulative residual entropy, has been introduced in the literature. In this paper, we first investigate some variability properties this measure has and then establish its connection to other dispersion measures. Moreover, we prove under sufficient conditions that this measure preserves the location-independent riskier order. We then elaborate on the fractional survival functional entropy of coherent and mixed systems’ lifetime in the case that the component lifetimes are dependent and they have identical distributions. Finally, we give some bounds and illustrate the usefulness of the given bounds.
Early Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Burn Injuries, Admissions, and Care in a Statewide Burn Service
Authors: Tracy Lincoln M. , Lo Cheng Hean , Cleland Heather J. , Teague Warwick J. , Gabbe Belinda J.
Published: September 2022

Anecdotal evidence from specialist burn clinicians suggested patient numbers and workloads increased during lockdown periods. This study aimed to describe the impact of the early COVID-19-related public health control measures (i.e., lockdowns) on burn injuries, hospital admissions, and care in a statewide burn service. We examined admissions data from The Victorian Adult Burns Service (located at the Alfred Hospital) and the Royal Children’s Hospital Burns Service—both of which contribute to the Burns Registry of Australia and New Zealand—during lockdown periods between March and October 2020, compared to the same periods in previous years. There were 714 patients admitted during the control period and 186 during the COVID-19 period. Burns sustained during COVID-19 lockdowns were larger in size. During COVID-19 lockdowns a greater proportion of patients were admitted to intensive care. Although the number of burn-related admissions did not increase during lockdowns, burn injuries that did occur were more severe (i.e., affected a greater percentage of body surface area). These more severe injuries placed an additional and significant burden on an already strained healthcare system. Future public health messaging should include prevention information to minimize the number of injuries occurring during lockdowns and other responses.
Use of Digital Resources in Higher Education during COVID-19: A Literature Review
Authors: Rodríguez Miriam Lorente , Pulido-Montes Cristina
Published: September 2022

The sudden transition from face-to-face education to remote education under the international-level restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic—a transition made in the spirit of achieving and developing accessible education—involved the application of methodologically diverse resources and strategies. The objective of this article is to investigate the digital resources that have been applied in higher education institutions, paying special attention to the type and frequency of use of resources. A literature review was carried out on a total of 44 articles. The main results show that the primary resources applied in higher education institutions were videoconferencing tools, educational videos, and virtual platforms. Most higher education institutions made use of free and open access resources. Our primary conclusions posit our observation that the use of digital resources for teaching in an emergency context has not enabled reflection on their use. Such reflection would equip institutions for the optimization of these resources toward their efficient pedagogical application in teaching–learning processes.
Let’s Escape! The Impact of a Digital-Physical Combined Escape Room on Students’ Creative Thinking, Learning Motivation, and Science Academic Achievement
Authors: Kuo Hsu-Chan , Pan Ai-Jou , Lin Cai-Sin , Chang Chu-Yang
Published: September 2022

Digital and physical escape rooms have been suggested as practical and effective approaches to game-based learning and have recently gained momentum. The deficit of scholarly works that simultaneously implement both types of escape rooms legitimizes this study’s significance and appropriateness. The researchers systematically combined digital and physical escape rooms and integrated them into fifth-grade science lessons (experimental group N = 22; control group N = 21). Considering that creative thinking is one of the essential competencies in the competitive world, learning motivation is a crucial factor contributing to students’ learning, and academic achievement is a criterion for learning outcomes. The Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration), the Learning Motivation Scale (value, expectation, affect, and executive volition), and the science achievement exam were used to quantitatively investigate students’ learning effectiveness. The results indicated that the experimental group’s creative thinking and learning motivation outperformed the control group significantly. Nonetheless, both groups showed no significant difference in science academic achievement. The present study verifies that a digital–physical combined escape room is an effective and practical approach that has the potential to be widely used in schools to benefit students’ learning. Some discussions, educational implications, and suggestions for future studies and practices are offered.
REATIVA: An Efficient Health Promotion Program during Retirement Transition
Authors: Loureiro Helena , Silva Margarida , Camarneiro Ana , Pedreiro Ana , Mendes Aida
Published: September 2022

Retirement is a major life transition in adulthood that can cause vulnerability in individuals and their families. REATIVA is a face-to-face health intervention program that aims to promote the perception of self-efficacy and facilitate the transition to retirement of individuals and families. This article presents the efficiency of this program. A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 56 new retirees and families enrolled in the Portuguese National Health Service. The efficiency of the program was evaluated with the General Self-Efficacy (GSE) scale, which assesses self-efficacy, and the Retirement Adaptation Perception (EPFAR) scale, which assesses the perception of adaptation to retirement. The data were processed in IBM SPSS 27 software. An average positive change was found regarding the GSE and EPFAR in all participants of the REATIVA program. Notably, the MANOVA test with Greenhouse–Geisser correction revealed a significant effect of the program over time in the EPFAR scale (F = 17.405, p = 0.001; η2 = 0.554; PO = 0.982). The REATIVA program was found to be efficient in the promotion of individual and family health during the transition to retirement as an active and healthy aging process. New methodologies and intervention strategies were identified that could improve the efficacy of the program; namely, the involvement of more family members and using a blended approach.
Evaluation of an Online Course Promoting Health and Wellbeing for University Students and Employees
Authors: Ricci Federico , Modenese Alberto , Gobba Fabriziomaria , Morlini Isabella
Published: September 2022

Published studies dealing with health promotion activities, such as the improvement of physical activity and healthy eating, for workers and students prove the effectiveness of these preventive interventions. The consequent benefits include better prevention of cardiovascular risk and an improvement in quality of life. Considering this, an intervention aimed at promoting healthy eating and non-sedentary lifestyles has been implemented within an Italian university: the aim of the present research is to evaluate its effectiveness. The intervention consisted of a targeted asynchronous e-learning two-hour course on healthy eating and non-sedentary lifestyles. The attendants were 2004 university students and employees. We conducted two surveys before and after the training intervention, and, through the responses obtained, we evaluated the effectiveness of the intervention. We applied different statistical methods, including unpaired t-tests and nonparametric tests, principal components and cluster analysis. Our results indicate that the post-training knowledge has been significantly improved, compared to that pre-training (7.3 vs. 8.7, p < 0.001). Moreover, the whole sample showed an improved awareness of the importance of healthy behaviors, and perception of the University as an institution promoting a healthy lifestyle. Through the principal components analysis, we identified a unidimensional latent factor named “health and behaviors”. The cluster analysis highlighted that the sub-group reporting the lowest scores at the survey before the training was the one with the highest improvement after the intervention. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first Italian study testing, before and after a health promotion intervention, the knowledge and the attitudes and behaviors towards healthy lifestyles of a group of students and workers. Moreover, we also evaluated the pre- and post-intervention perceived health status, as well as the level of engagement of the attendants, with respect to their colleagues and management in an educational institution promoting wellbeing. The conclusions of our study support the need for further adoption of health promotion training interventions, similar to the one we performed, in order to improve healthy eating and non-sedentary behaviors among workers and students.
Stress Detection System for Working Pregnant Women Using an Improved Deep Recurrent Neural Network
Authors: Sharma Sameer Dev , Sharma Sonal , Singh Rajesh , Gehlot Anita , Priyadarshi Neeraj , Twala Bhekisipho
Published: September 2022

Stress is a concerning issue in today’s world. Stress in pregnancy harms both the development of children and the health of pregnant women. As a result, assessing the stress levels of working pregnant women is crucial to aid them in developing and growing professionally and personally. In the past, many machine-learning (ML) and deep-learning (DL) algorithms have been made to predict the stress of women. It does, however, have some problems, such as a more complicated design, a high chance of misclassification, a high chance of making mistakes, and less efficiency. With these considerations in mind, our article will use a deep-learning model known as the deep recurrent neural network (DRNN) to predict the stress levels of working pregnant women. Dataset preparation, feature extraction, optimal feature selection, and classification with DRNNs are all included in this framework. Duplicate attributes are removed, and missing values are filled in during the preprocessing of the dataset.
A Security Risk Assessment Method Based on Improved FTA-IAHP for Train Position System
Authors: Yang Yang , Chen Guangwu , Wang Di
Published: September 2022

The positioning system based on satellite navigation can meet the requirements of CTCS-4 train control, improve the transportation efficiency, reduce the operation and maintenance costs, which is the trend of train positioning system in the future, and the security risk assessment is of great significance to the future application of this system. In this paper, combined with the self-developed train positioning system based on satellite navigation, and an improved fault tree-interval analytic hierarchy process (FTA-IAHP) method for evaluating the safety risk of train positioning system is proposed. Firstly, a security risk assessment model based on FTA-IAHP is established by combining FTA and IAHP. Secondly, two judgment matrices are constructed by using the basic events and structural importance based on FTA, and the IAHP model based on expert scoring, the difference between FTA and IAHP is adjusted by combining the weighting factor. The new method of trial of weighting can determine the degree of each factor in the system fault. This method has great significance to the safety design and protection of the new train positioning system based on satellite navigation.
A Multichannel, High-Bandwidth Wirelane Receiver for D2D Interconnects
Authors: Zhang Geng , Lai Mingche , Lyu Fangxu
Published: September 2022

This paper proposes a multichannel and high-bandwidth (BW) receiver for standard packaging die-to-die (D2D) interconnects. The receiver adopts forward clock (FCK) architecture of the high-density transmission standard, which consists of 16 high-speed data paths and a pair of low-speed differential clocks for 512 Gbps BW. To reduce the chip area and power consumption, a common minimal phase-locked loop (MINI-PLL) and data adjustment (CDA) circuit to replaces the clock data recovery circuit (CDR) in the traditional receiver. A delay-matching circuit is adopted to combat PVT variation and lane skew. In addition, a high linearity phase interpolator (PI) circuit design is used in the minimum phase-locked loop (MINI-PLL) to adjust the clock phase and improve the clock jitter performance. Using 28 nm CMOS technology, the overall link power consumption is 1.56 pJ/b. Bit error rate (BER) is less than 10−15 under the real S-parameters with a channel loss of 10db@16GHz.
RI-MFM: A Novel Infrared and Visible Image Registration with Rotation Invariance and Multilevel Feature Matching
Authors: Zhu Depeng , Zhan Weida , Fu Jingqi , Jiang Yichun , Xu Xiaoyu , Guo Renzhong , Chen Yu
Published: September 2022

In the past ten years, multimodal image registration technology has been continuously developed, and a large number of researchers have paid attention to the problem of infrared and visible image registration. Due to the differences in grayscale distribution, resolution and viewpoint between two images, most of the existing infrared and visible image registration methods are still insufficient in accuracy. To solve such problems, we propose a new robust and accurate infrared and visible image registration method. For the purpose of generating more robust feature descriptors, we propose to generate feature descriptors using a concentric-circle-based feature-description algorithm. The method enhances the description of the main direction of feature points by introducing centroids, and, at the same time, uses concentric circles to ensure the rotation invariance of feature descriptors. To match feature points quickly and accurately, we propose a multi-level feature-matching algorithm using improved offset consistency for matching feature points. We redesigned the matching algorithm based on the offset consistency principle. The comparison experiments with several other state-of-the-art registration methods in CVC and homemade datasets show that our proposed method has significant advantages in both feature-point localization accuracy and correct matching rate.
Dual-Wavelength Mode-Locked Oscillation with Graphene Nanoplatelet Saturable Absorber in Erbium-Doped Fiber Laser
Authors: Abas Ahmad Fauzi , Lau Kuen Y. , Muhammad Farah D. , Abdulkawi Wazie M. , Al-Moliki Yahya M. , Alresheedi Mohammed T. , Mahdi Mohd Adzir
Published: September 2022

In this work, we demonstrate a dual-wavelength passively mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser employing graphene nanoplatelet as saturable absorber. The dual-wavelength laser is generated in ~1530 nm and ~1550 nm wavelength regions by splitting the main signal into two separate laser oscillations via a red/blue wavelength division multiplexer. Both the unidirectional and bidirectional dual-wavelength oscillation scheme are investigated, and it is found that the latter is advantageous in providing narrower pulse widths of 890 fs and 980 fs for the respective wavelength region, on top of boosting the pulse energy to the maximum value of 139 pJ and 155 pJ, respectively. It is believed that the bidirectional dual-wavelength oscillation scheme can minimize the overlapping effect between the neighboring pulses that cause pulse distortion as well as signal attenuation compared with unidirectional dual-wavelength oscillation. This work expands the dynamics of cavity structure design for synchronized dual-wavelength mode-locked fiber laser generation.
Market Opportunities in Portugal for the Water-and-Waste Sector Using Sludge Gasification
Authors: Alves Octávio , Garcia Bruno , Rijo Bruna , Lourinho Gonçalo , Nobre Catarina
Published: September 2022

The water-and-waste sector has shown a marked interest in innovative management practices for dewatered sludge. The need to manage increased sludge volumes at rising disposal costs, coupled with the recognition of the potential for on-site energy production, have been the key drivers for this recent appeal. With the current political view supporting the development of a renewable-gas industry in Portugal, renewable gases are considered an attractive solution for dewatered-sludge valorization. Moreover, investment in renewable-gas supply chains would help the industry to mature to a level at which the technology and market are rapidly established. Recognizing this interest, dewatered-sludge gasification was selected as a possible valorization pathway, with the potential for hydrogen and bio-SNG production, as well as decentralized heat and power. This document identifies the market opportunities for the establishment of sewage-sludge gasification in Portugal. The analysis starts with a brief overview of the Portuguese water-and-waste sector, and a description of the current status of the renewable-gas markets. Finally, the dewatered-sludge amounts are quantified, and the potential for energy and renewable-gas production is estimated to support the interest in wastewater management in advanced processes, and to pave the way for future feasibility studies.
Optimal Microgrid System Operating Strategy Considering Variable Wind Power Outputs and the Cooperative Game among Subsystem Operators
Authors: Li Yanbin , Sun Yanting , Zhang Junjie , Zhang Feng
Published: September 2022

In recent years, the microgrid system (MGS) has become an important method for the consumption of renewable energy sources (RES). In the actual operation process, the uncertainties of RES add to the complexity of the MGS operation. Furthermore, the MGS is often operated by multiple subsystem operators. The benefit distribution among subsystem operators is an important factor affecting the overall stable operation of the MGS. In order to resist the interference of the above factors, a two-stage optimization method is proposed in this paper, which includes a bi-level robust optimization (BRO) model in the overall scheduling stage of the MGS and a nucleolus-based cooperative game (NCG) model in the internal cost allocation stage among the subsystem operators. The simulations demonstrated the following outcomes: (1) the P2G device can reduce the operating cost of the MGS by converting electricity into natural gas when the electricity price is low; (2) the two-stage optimization method can ensure the stable operation of the MGS by resisting the disturbance of uncertain wind power outputs in the overall scheduling stage and realizing a reasonable cost allocation among the subsystem operators in the internal cost allocation stage.
Underground Gas Storage Facilities in Ukraine: Current State and Future Prospects
Authors: Iwaszczuk Natalia , Zapukhliak Ivanna , Iwaszczuk Aleksander , Dzoba Oleh , Romashko Oleksandra
Published: September 2022

The article considers the system of underground gas storage in Ukraine, the history of its development, the characteristics of regional gas storage complexes, and the current state and role of the gas group enterprises in the domestic gas market. The study also proves the significant role of Ukrainian UGS facilities in ensuring the energy security of Europe. However, their position in the European gas market depends significantly not only on the demand for gas storage services from foreign companies but also on the awareness at the state level of the importance of collective energy security manifested in energy policy regulations. To process forecasts for the development of the European gas market, an assessment of the environment of the gas storage operator of Ukraine was carried out using PESTEL and SWOT analysis. As a result, pessimistic, realistic, and optimistic scenarios for using underground gas storage facilities in Ukraine have been formed.