bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recognizing Similar Musical Instruments with YOLO Models
Authors: Dewi Christine , Chen Abbott Po Shun , Christanto Henoch Juli
Published: May 2023

Researchers in the fields of machine learning and artificial intelligence have recently begun to focus their attention on object recognition. One of the biggest obstacles in image recognition through computer vision is the detection and identification of similar items. Identifying similar musical instruments can be approached as a classification problem, where the goal is to train a machine learning model to classify instruments based on their features and shape. Cellos, clarinets, erhus, guitars, saxophones, trumpets, French horns, harps, recorders, bassoons, and violins were all classified in this investigation. There are many different musical instruments that have the same size, shape, and sound. In addition, we were amazed by the simplicity with which humans can identify items that are very similar to one another, but this is a challenging task for computers. For this study, we used YOLOv7 to identify pairs of musical instruments that are most like one another. Next, we compared and evaluated the results from YOLOv7 with those from YOLOv5. Furthermore, the results of our tests allowed us to enhance the performance in terms of detecting similar musical instruments. Moreover, with an average accuracy of 86.7%, YOLOv7 outperformed previous approaches and other research results.
Intra-Patient Lung CT Registration through Large Deformation Decomposition and Attention-Guided Refinement
Authors: Zou Jing , Liu Jia , Choi Kup-Sze , Qin Jing
Published: May 2023

Deformable lung CT image registration is an essential task for computer-assisted interventions and other clinical applications, especially when organ motion is involved. While deep-learning-based image registration methods have recently achieved promising results by inferring deformation fields in an end-to-end manner, large and irregular deformations caused by organ motion still pose a significant challenge. In this paper, we present a method for registering lung CT images that is tailored to the specific patient being imaged. To address the challenge of large deformations between the source and target images, we break the deformation down into multiple continuous intermediate fields. These fields are then combined to create a spatio-temporal motion field. We further refine this field using a self-attention layer that aggregates information along motion trajectories. By leveraging temporal information from a respiratory cycle, our proposed methods can generate intermediate images that facilitate image-guided tumor tracking. We evaluated our approach extensively on a public dataset, and our numerical and visual results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Protocol for the Automatic Construction of Highly Curated Genome-Scale Models of Human Metabolism
Authors: Marin de Mas Igor , Herand Helena , Carrasco Jorge , Nielsen Lars K. , Johansson Pär I.
Published: May 2023

Genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) have emerged as a tool to understand human metabolism from a holistic perspective with high relevance in the study of many diseases and in the metabolic engineering of human cell lines. GEM building relies on either automated processes that lack manual refinement and result in inaccurate models or manual curation, which is a time-consuming process that limits the continuous update of reliable GEMs. Here, we present a novel algorithm-aided protocol that overcomes these limitations and facilitates the continuous updating of highly curated GEMs. The algorithm enables the automatic curation and/or expansion of existing GEMs or generates a highly curated metabolic network based on current information retrieved from multiple databases in real time. This tool was applied to the latest reconstruction of human metabolism (Human1), generating a series of the human GEMs that improve and expand the reference model and generating the most extensive and comprehensive general reconstruction of human metabolism to date. The tool presented here goes beyond the current state of the art and paves the way for the automatic reconstruction of a highly curated, up-to-date GEM with high potential in computational biology as well as in multiple fields of biological science where metabolism is relevant.
MultiResUNet3+: A Full-Scale Connected Multi-Residual UNet Model to Denoise Electrooculogram and Electromyogram Artifacts from Corrupted Electroencephalogram Signals
Authors: Hossain Md Shafayet , Mahmud Sakib , Khandakar Amith , Al-Emadi Nasser , Chowdhury Farhana Ahmed , Mahbub Zaid Bin , Reaz Mamun Bin Ibne , Chowdhury Muhammad E. H.
Published: May 2023

Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals immensely suffer from several physiological artifacts, including electrooculogram (EOG), electromyogram (EMG), and electrocardiogram (ECG) artifacts, which must be removed to ensure EEG’s usability. This paper proposes a novel one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN), i.e., MultiResUNet3+, to denoise physiological artifacts from corrupted EEG. A publicly available dataset containing clean EEG, EOG, and EMG segments is used to generate semi-synthetic noisy EEG to train, validate and test the proposed MultiResUNet3+, along with four other 1D-CNN models (FPN, UNet, MCGUNet, LinkNet). Adopting a five-fold cross-validation technique, all five models’ performance is measured by estimating temporal and spectral percentage reduction in artifacts, temporal and spectral relative root mean squared error, and average power ratio of each of the five EEG bands to whole spectra. The proposed MultiResUNet3+ achieved the highest temporal and spectral percentage reduction of 94.82% and 92.84%, respectively, in EOG artifacts removal from EOG-contaminated EEG. Moreover, compared to the other four 1D-segmentation models, the proposed MultiResUNet3+ eliminated 83.21% of the spectral artifacts from the EMG-corrupted EEG, which is also the highest. In most situations, our proposed model performed better than the other four 1D-CNN models, evident by the computed performance evaluation metrics.
Editorial for the Special Issue on Plant Polyphenols in the Immune and Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Cao Heping
Published: May 2023

Inflammation and associated immune diseases have placed a heavy burden on health care systems [...]
Four-Dimensional Printing of Temperature-Responsive Liquid Crystal Elastomers with Programmable Shape-Changing Behavior
Authors: Li Shuyi , Song Zhengyi , Fan Yuyan , Wei Dongsong , Liu Yan
Published: May 2023

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are polymer networks that exhibit anisotropic liquid crystalline properties while maintaining the properties of elastomers, presenting reversible high-speed and large-scale actuation in response to external stimuli. Herein, we formulated a non-toxic, low-temperature liquid crystal (LC) ink for temperature-controlled direct ink writing 3D printing. The rheological properties of the LC ink were verified under different temperatures given the phase transition temperature of 63 °C measured by the DSC test. Afterwards, the effects of printing speed, printing temperature, and actuation temperature on the actuation strain of printed LCEs structures were investigated within adjustable ranges. In addition, it was demonstrated that the printing direction can modulate the LCEs to exhibit different actuation behaviors. Finally, by sequentially conforming structures and programming the printing parameters, it showed the deformation behavior of a variety of complex structures. By integrating with 4D printing and digital device architectures, this unique reversible deformation property will help LCEs presented here apply to mechanical actuators, smart surfaces, micro-robots, etc.
A Pathway for Aldol Additions Catalyzed by l-Hydroxyproline-Peptides via a β-Hydroxyketone Hemiaminal Intermediate
Authors: Al-Momani Lo’ay Ahmed , Lang Heinrich , Lüdeke Steffen
Published: May 2023

While the use of l-proline-derived peptides has been proven similarly successful with respect to enantioselectivity, the physico-chemical and conformational properties of these organocatalysts are not fully compatible with transition state and intermediate structures previously suggested for l-proline catalysis. l-Proline or l-4-hydroxyproline catalysis is assumed to involve proton transfers mediated by the carboxylic acid group, whereas a similar mechanism is unlikely for peptides, which lack a proton donor. Herein, we prepared an array of hydroxyproline-based dipeptides through amide coupling of Boc-protected cis- or trans-4-l-hydroxyproline (cis- or trans-4-Hyp) to benzylated glycine (Gly-OBn) and l-valine (l-Val-OBn) and used these dipeptides as catalysts for a model aldol reaction. Despite the lack of a proton donor in the catalytic site, we observed good stereoselectivities for the R-configured aldol product both with dipeptides formed from cis- or trans-4-Hyp at moderate conversions after 24 h. To explain this conundrum, we modeled reaction cycles for aldol additions in the presence of cis-4-Hyp, trans-4-Hyp, and cis- and trans-configured 4-Hyp-peptides as catalysts by calculation of free energies of conformers of intermediates and transition states at the density functional theory level (B3LYP/6-31G(d), DMSO PCM as solvent model). While a catalytic cycle as previously suggested with l-proline is also plausible for cis- or trans-4-Hyp, with the peptides, the energy barrier of the first reaction step would be too high to allow conversions at room temperature. Calculations on modeled transition states suggest an alternative pathway that would explain the experimental results: here, the catalytic cycle is entered by the acetone self-adduct 4-hydroxy-4-methylpentan-2-one, which forms spontaneously to a small extent in the presence of a base, leading to considerably reduced calculated free energy levels of transition states of reaction steps that are considered rate-determining.
Practical Issues in the Treatment of Preterm Infants
Authors: Arnon Shmuel
Published: May 2023

Each year, an estimated 15 million babies are born too early; more than 1 in 10 babies [...]
Serum Osteocalcin, Sclerostin and Lipocalin-2 Levels in Adolescent Boys with Obesity over a 12-Week Sprint Interval Training
Authors: Salus Marit , Tillmann Vallo , Remmel Liina , Unt Eve , Mäestu Evelin , Parm Ülle , Mägi Agnes , Tali Maie , Jürimäe Jaak
Published: May 2023

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of supervised cycling sprint interval training (SIT) on serum osteocalcin, lipocalin-2 and sclerostin levels, and bone mineral characteristics among obese adolescent boys. Untrained obese adolescent boys aged 13.4 ± 0.3 were assigned to either a 12-week SIT group (3 sessions/week), or a non-exercising control group who continued with their habitual everyday life. Serum osteocalcin, lipocalin-2 and sclerostin concentrations, and bone mineral values were assessed before and after intervention. After 12-week intervention, where 14 boys in both groups ended the study, there were no significant differences in serum osteokine levels between the groups after 12 weeks, while whole body bone mineral content and lower limb bone mineral density increased in the SIT group (p < 0.05). Change in body mass index was negatively correlated with the change in osteocalcin (r = −0.57; p = 0.034), and positively correlated with the change in lipocalin-2 levels (r = 0.57; p = 0.035) in the SIT group. Supervised 12-week SIT intervention improved bone mineral characteristics, but did not change osteocalcin, lipocalin-2 or sclerostin levels in adolescent boys with obesity.
Measuring Children’s Stress via Saliva in Surgical and Endoscopic Procedures and Its Measurement Intention in the Community: Reality-Future Prospects
Authors: Grigoropoulou Maria , Attilakos Achilleas , Charalampopoulos Anestis , Fessatou Smaragdi , Vamvakas Efstratios , Dimopoulou Anastasia , Zavras Nikolaos
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: Children who undergo surgical or endoscopic procedures display high levels of stress, and various means are applied to reduce their anxiety. Salivary cortisol (S Cortisol) and salivary alpha-amylase (SAA) are often used as a valid biomarker of stress. The primary purpose of the study was the investigation of stress levels through S Cortisol and S amylase after intervention in surgical or endoscopic procedures (gastroscopy–colonoscopy). The secondary outcomes were the investigation of the intention to adopt new methods of saliva sampling. We collected saliva samples from children subjected to invasive medical procedures, with the aim of applying the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as an intervention means to provide information and education to both parents and children undergoing stressful situations, and assess its efficacy in reducing stress levels. We also aimed at acquiring a better understanding of the acceptability of noninvasive biomarker collection in community settings. (2) Methods: The sample of this prospective study comprised 81 children who underwent surgical or endoscopic procedures at the Attikon General University Hospital, Athens, Greece and 90 parents. The sample was divided into two groups. The first, ‘Group Unexplained’, was not provided any information or education about the procedures, while the second, ‘Group Explained’, was informed and educated based on TPB. Thereafter, 8–10 weeks after intervention, the Theory of Planned Behavior questions were re-completed by the ‘Group Explained’. (3) Results: Significant differences were detected in cortisol and amylase values between the two groups postoperatively after applying the TPB intervention. Saliva cortisol was reduced by 8.09 ng/mL in the ‘Group Explained’ while in the ‘Group Unexplained’ it was reduced by 4.45 ng/mL (p < 0.001). Salivary amylase values decreased by 9.69 ng/mL in the ‘Group Explained’ after the intervention phase of the study, while in the ‘Group Unexplained’ they increased by 35.04 ng/mL (p < 0.001). The regression explains 40.3% (baseline) and 28.5% (follow-up) of parental intention. The predictive factor of parental intention (baseline) is attitude (p < 0.001) and follow-up is behavioral control (p < 0.028) and attitude (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Providing proper education and information for parents has a positive effect on reducing children’s stress levels. Changing parental attitudes towards saliva collection plays the most important role, since a positive attitude can influence intention and ultimately participation in these procedures.
Narrative Identity within Mentalization-Based Group Therapy for Adolescents: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Lind Majse , Kiel Lennart , Hansen Sune Bo , Jørgensen Mie Sedoc , Simonsen Erik
Published: May 2023

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by severe disturbances related to understanding oneself and other people and can be reliably detected and treated in adolescence. In this feasibility study, we aimed to focus on the features of, and changes in, narrative identity throughout the course of Mentalization-Based Treatment in Groups (MBT-G) for adolescents with BPD. Six female patients (M = 15.2, SD = 0.75) joined between 16 and 31 (M = 23.83) MBT g sessions. The narrated events within each session across sessions were coded for themes of agency and communion and the narrated reactions were coded for personality functioning. The patients and their parents also completed several self-report measures before and after therapy. Themes of diminished agency and communion were identified, with communion as the dominating theme. When comparing the patients’ first five sessions with their last five sessions, there was an increase in themes related to agency and decreased in communion. The narrated reactions were dominated by themes related to thwarted self-functioning and primarily identity, although intimacy was also present. Patients improved in terms of self-reported functioning and internalizing and externalizing behavior before and after end of treatment. The importance of narration in BPD (group) therapy is discussed alongside clinical implications.
Giant Benign Struma Ovarii with High-Grade Fever, Elevated CA 125, and Hormonal Function in an Adolescent Patient
Authors: Stefanopol Ioana Anca , Petecariu Alexandru , Baroiu Liliana , Neagu Anca-Iulia , Bogdan-Goroftei Roxana-Elena , Nechifor Alexandru , Ciortea Diana-Andreea , Sarbu Nicolae
Published: May 2023

Struma ovarii (SO) is a monodermal teratoma containing at least 50% thyroid tissue. Classically, SO is a hormonally inactive benign neoplasm that occurs in premenopausal women, and has unspecific clinical and imaging features. Its treatment is surgical and its diagnosis is established histopathologically. We report the case of a euthyroid 16-year-old girl presenting with abdominal girth increase. An abdomino-pelvic ultrasound showed a giant multicystic mass with transonic content and multiple septa, and magnetic resonance imaging suggested the diagnosis of right ovarian mucinous cystadenoma. Blood tests showed inflammatory syndrome, iron deficiency anemia, mild hepatocytolysis, and elevated serum CA 125 levels. High-grade fever occurred on the third day of hospitalization, but none of the preoperative tests could identify its origin. Cystectomy was performed, and the histopathological examination revealed benign SO with a few small cysts with purulent content. The patient developed hypothyroidism postoperatively. In conclusion, this case report reunites most of the uncommon features of SO and confirms the superiorityof histopathology in its definitive diagnosis, as well as the suitability of ovarian sparing techniques, as the best treatment option for cystic ovarian pathology in pediatric patients, even in cases of large tumoral size and elevated serum CA 125 levels.
Current Perspectives on Cleft Lip and Palate and Children’s Health
Authors: Jorge Paula Karine , Ambrosio Eloá Cristina Passucci , Mello-Peixoto Yana Cosendey Toledo , Carrara Cleide Felício Carvalho , Soares Simone , Almeida Ana Lucia Pompeia Fraga de , Machado Maria Aparecida Andrade Moreira , Oliveira Thais Marchini
Published: May 2023

Orofacial clefts are the most prevalent craniofacial congenital anomalies, affecting the lip, with or without involvement of the palate, or solely the palate [...]
The Development of a Screening Tool for Childcare Professionals to Detect and Refer Infant and Toddler Maltreatment and Trauma: A Tale of Four Countries
Authors: Bisagno Elisa , Cadamuro Alessia , Serafine Dierickx , Dima Bou Mosleh , Anne Groenen , Zane Linde-Ozola , Annija Kandāte , Dóra Varga-Sabján , Dorottya Morva , Noémi László , Monika Rozsa , Andrea Gruber , Giovanna Laura De Fazio , Johanna Maria Catharina Blom
Published: May 2023

Child maltreatment is considered a pressing social question, compromising the present and future mental and physical health of one in four children in Europe. While children younger than three years of age are especially vulnerable, few screening instruments are available for the detection of risk in this age group. The purpose of this research was to develop a screening tool for childcare professionals working in public and private daycare settings to support them in the early identification and referral of infants and toddlers exposed to emotional and physical abuse and neglect by primary caregivers, to be used in different settings across four European countries: Belgium, Italy, Latvia, and Hungary. Method: A stratified process was used to create the screening tool: We started by using Living lab methodology to co-create the screening tool with its final users, which was followed by testing the tool with a total of 120 childcare professionals from the four participating countries. Results: During the Living Lab phase, a screening tool with three layers was developed. The initial layer includes five “red flags” that signal particular concern and require immediate action. The second layer is a quick screener with twelve items focused on four areas: neglect of basic needs, delays in development, unusual behaviors, and interaction with caregivers. The third layer is an in-depth questionnaire that aids in formalizing a thorough observation of twenty-five items within the same four areas as the quick screener. After a one-day training session, 120 childcare professionals caring for children aged 0–3 from four countries assessed the screening tool and their overall training experience. Childcare professionals reported great satisfaction with the three-layered structure, which made the tool versatile, and agreed on its content, which was considered helpful in the daycare setting for the regular evaluation of the behavior of children and their primary caregivers, thus improving the early observation of change from the normal behavior of the infant or toddler. Conclusion: The three-layered screening tool was reported as feasible, practical, and with great content validity by childcare professionals working in four European countries.
The Epigenetic Reader Protein SP140 Regulates Dendritic Cell Activation, Maturation and Tolerogenic Potential
Authors: Ghiboub Mohammed , Bell Matthew , Sinkeviciute Dovile , Prinjha Rab K. , de Winther Menno P. J. , Harker Nicola R. , Tough David F. , de Jonge Wouter J.
Published: May 2023

SP140 is an epigenetic reader protein expressed predominantly in immune cells. GWAS studies have shown an association between SP140 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and diverse autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, suggesting a possible pathogenic role for SP140 in immune-mediated diseases. We previously demonstrated that treatment of human macrophages with the novel selective inhibitor of the SP140 protein (GSK761) reduced the expression of endotoxin-induced cytokines, implicating a role of SP140 in the function of inflammatory macrophages. In this study, we investigated the effects of GSK761 on in vitro human dendritic cell (DC) differentiation and maturation, assessing the expression of cytokines and co-stimulatory molecules and their capacity to stimulate T-cell activation and induce phenotypic changes. In DCs, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation induced an increase in SP140 expression and its recruitment to transcription start sites (TSS) of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes. Moreover, LPS-induced cytokines such as TNF, IL-6, and IL-1β were reduced in GSK761- or SP140 siRNA- treated DCs. Although GSK761 did not significantly affect the expression of surface markers that define the differentiation of CD14+ monocytes into immature DCs (iDCs), subsequent maturation of iDCs to mature DCs was significantly inhibited. GSK761 strongly reduced expression of the maturation marker CD83, the co-stimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86, and the lipid-antigen presentation molecule CD1b. Finally, when the ability of DCs to stimulate recall T-cell responses by vaccine-specific T cells was assessed, T cells stimulated by GSK761-treated DCs showed reduced TBX21 and RORA expression and increased FOXP3 expression, indicating a preferential generation of regulatory T cells. Overall, this study suggests that SP140 inhibition enhances the tolerogenic properties of DCs, supporting the rationale of targeting SP140 in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases where DC-mediated inflammatory responses contribute to disease pathogenesis.
Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus): A Green Colorant for Cotton Fabric
Authors: Mahmud Md. Himel , Raihan Md. Tanvir , Shakhik Md. Tarik Zaman , Khan Fauzia Tasnim , Islam Mohammad Tajul
Published: May 2023

The textile industry has been exploring sustainable chemicals and natural alternatives to replace harmful and carcinogenic substances used in different stages of textile production for dyeing textiles. Natural dyes are gaining popularity, as they are environmentally friendly and less harmful. Betacyanin, a type of pigment obtained from red pitahaya, commonly known as red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus), has peels that are available as agricultural waste and can be used to meet the demand for natural dye production. This study aimed to explore and utilize dragon fruit’s peel as a natural colorant for dyeing 100% cotton knit fabric (scoured and bleached single jersey plain knit) of 170 g/m2, which could transform a low-value material into a valuable product. However, cotton’s phenolic nature and oxidation process result in negative charges on its surface, making natural dyeing challenging. Cationization with cationic agents (ForCat NCH, a mixture of cationic polyamine and 1,3,dichlori-2-propanol) and mordanting (potassium alum or potassium aluminum sulfate) were carried to improve dye exhaustion and enhance colorfastness properties. Spectrophotometer 800 was used to measure color strength (K/S), and several fastness tests, including wash, perspiration, and rubbing were conducted to assess the final product’s performance. The process parameters, such as temperatures, times, pH levels, and dye concentrations were varied to understand better the optimum conditions.
Quadriexciton Binding Energy in Electron–Hole Bilayers
Authors: Malosso Cesare , Senatore Gaetano , De Palo Stefania
Published: May 2023

Excitonic condensation and superfluidity have recently received a renewed attention, due to the fabrication of bilayer systems in which electrons and holes are spatially separated and form stable pairs known as indirect excitons. Dichalcogenides- and graphene-based bilayers are nowadays built and investigated, giving access to systems with (i) only spin degeneracy and (ii) spin and valley degeneracy. Simulation studies performed in the last decades at T=0 for simple, model electron–hole bilayers, as function of the interlayer distance and in-layer carrier density, have revealed in case (i) the formation of biexcitons in a tiny region of the parameter space and in case (ii) the formation of stable compounds made of four electrons and four holes (quadriexcitons) in a sizable region of the parameter space. Of some interest is the relation of the properties of isolated biexcitons (quadriexcitons) and those of their finite-density counterpart. In fact, the isolated biexciton has been repeatedly studied in the last years with simulations and other techniques. No simulations, instead, are available to our knowledge for the isolated quadriexciton, for which we present here results of the first quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) study. Stability with respect to the dissociation into biexcitons and the pair correlations while varying the interlayer distance d are discussed.
Financial Toxicity and Out-of-Pocket Costs for Patients with Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Smith Justin , Yu Justin , Gordon Louisa G. , Chilkuri Madhavi
Published: May 2023

Aim: To quantify financial toxicity and out-of-pocket costs for patients with HNC in Australia and explore their relationship with health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to patients with HNC 1–3 years after radiotherapy at a regional hospital in Australia. The survey included questions on sociodemographics, out-of-pocket expenses, HRQoL, and the Financial Index of Toxicity (FIT) tool. The relationship between high financial toxicity scores (top quartile) and HRQoL was explored. Results: Of the 57 participants included in the study, 41 (72%) reported out-of-pocket expenses at a median of AUD 1796 (IQR AUD 2700) and a maximum of AUD 25,050. The median FIT score was 13.9 (IQR 19.5) and patients with high financial toxicity (n = 14) reported poorer HRQoL (76.5 vs. 114.5, p < 0.001). Patients who were not married had higher FIT scores (23.1 vs. 11.1, p = 0.01), as did those with lower education (19.3 vs. 11.1, p = 0.06). Participants with private health insurance had lower financial toxicity scores (8.3 vs. 17.6, p = 0.01). Medications (41%, median AUD 400), dietary supplements (41%, median AUD 600), travel (36%, median AUD 525), and dental (29%, AUD 388) were the most common out-of-pocket expenses. Participants living in rural locations (≥100 km from the hospital) had higher out-of-pocket expenses (AUD 2655 vs. AUD 730, p = 0.01). Conclusion: Financial toxicity is associated with poorer HRQoL for many patients with HNC following treatment. Further research is needed to investigate interventions aimed at reducing financial toxicity and how these can best be incorporated into routine clinical care.
Radiomics and Radiogenomics in Pelvic Oncology: Current Applications and Future Directions
Authors: O’Sullivan Niall J. , Kelly Michael E.
Published: May 2023

Radiomics refers to the conversion of medical imaging into high-throughput, quantifiable data in order to analyse disease patterns, guide prognosis and aid decision making. Radiogenomics is an extension of radiomics that combines conventional radiomics techniques with molecular analysis in the form of genomic and transcriptomic data, serving as an alternative to costly, labour-intensive genetic testing. Data on radiomics and radiogenomics in the field of pelvic oncology remain novel concepts in the literature. We aim to perform an up-to-date analysis of current applications of radiomics and radiogenomics in the field of pelvic oncology, particularly focusing on the prediction of survival, recurrence and treatment response. Several studies have applied these concepts to colorectal, urological, gynaecological and sarcomatous diseases, with individual efficacy yet poor reproducibility. This article highlights the current applications of radiomics and radiogenomics in pelvic oncology, as well as the current limitations and future directions. Despite a rapid increase in publications investigating the use of radiomics and radiogenomics in pelvic oncology, the current evidence is limited by poor reproducibility and small datasets. In the era of personalised medicine, this novel field of research has significant potential, particularly for predicting prognosis and guiding therapeutic decisions. Future research may provide fundamental data on how we treat this cohort of patients, with the aim of reducing the exposure of high-risk patients to highly morbid procedures.
Design of a Takagi–Sugeno Fuzzy Exact Modeling of a Buck–Boost Converter
Authors: Gotz Joelton Deonei , Bigai Mario Henrique , Harteman Gabriel , Martins Marcella Scoczynski Ribeiro , Converti Attilio , Siqueira Hugo Valadares , Borsato Milton , Corrêa Fernanda Cristina
Published: May 2023

DC–DC converters are used in many power electronics applications, such as switching power supply design, photovoltaic, power management systems, and electric and hybrid vehicles. Traditionally, DC–DC converters are linearly modeled using a typical operating point for their control design. Some recent works use nonlinear models for DC–DC converters, due to the inherent nonlinearity of the switching process. In this sense, a standout modeling technique is the Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy exact method due to its ability to represent nonlinear systems over the entire operating range. It is more faithful to system behavior modeling, and allows a nonlinear closed-loop control design. The use of nonlinear models allows the testing of controllers obtained by linear methods to operate outside their linearization point, corroborating with robust controllers for specific applications. This work aims to perform the exact fuzzy Takagi–Sugeno modeling of a buck–boost converter with non-ideal components, and to design a discrete proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller from the pole cancellation technique, obtained linearly, to test the controller at different operating points. The PID control ensured a satisfactory result compared with the stationary value of the different operating points, but it did not reach the desired transient response. Since the proposed model closely represents the operation of the buck–boost converter by considering the components’ non-idealities, other control techniques that consider the system’s nonlinearities can be applied and optimized later.
The Critical Factors Affecting the Implementation of Corporate Governance in Indonesia: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis
Authors: Hartono Suldja , Al Musadieq Mochammad , Rahardjo Kusdi , Afrianty Tri Wulida
Published: May 2023

The concept of corporate governance has become a topic of global discussion since The New York Stock Exchange crashed on 19 October 1987, when many multinational companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange experienced large financial losses. CG was a preventive measure and increased investor confidence in the company. CG implementation is influenced by isomorphisms, such as organizational structure and the external environment in the form of regulation, competition, and culture. In Indonesia, the quality of CG implementation still contributes to the country’s economic growth. Weak CG implementation is due to the adoption of the western system immediately. It arises due to a high ownership structure, government intervention, underdeveloped capital markets, and weak law enforcement. This study aims to examine and analyze more deeply about factors that cause CG not to be inadequate to develop properly in Indonesia. Private and state-owned companies in the East Kalimantan Industrial Estate are the research samples for the SOR modelling exploration method. The SOR (stimulus-organism-response) model is a novelty in identifying CG implementation. Identification of the model to obtain a structural model is carried out by using PLS-SEM (partial least square structural equation modelling) through an institutional approach. The results found that the organizational structure and national cultural environment strongly influence CG implementation through the mediation of organizational structure. The contribution to understanding the national cultural environment in CG implementation efforts will be driven by organizational structure. Comprehensively, this study describes other factors such as organizational culture, environment competition, and the environment mediated by organizational structure. The national cultural environment mediated by organizational culture did not significantly affect CG.
Performance Analysis of Anti-Interference Cooperative NOMA System for Aviation Data Links
Authors: Zhang Xuefeng , Lv Na
Published: May 2023

In collaborative combat operations, the challenges posed by communication adversities in aviation data links have become increasingly conspicuous. Ensuring the reliable connectivity of data links has thus emerged as a critical issue, particularly in light of growing interference effects on communication link outage. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a cooperative non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) technology that aims to enhance interference tolerance and strengthen stable communication capabilities in data links. To achieve these goals, an anti-interference collaborative NOMA system model applicable to aviation data links is established, and the anti-interference performance of collaborative NOMA technology is analyzed under Rice fading channel conditions. The analysis centers on the system’s outage probability, for which a closed-form expression is derived. Numerical analysis methods are employed to calculate and solve the expression, while simulation experiments are conducted to analyze the effect of factors such as transmission power, cooperative forwarding power, interference power, communication distance, and allocation coefficients on the system’s outage probability. The results show that the aviation data link system using a collaborative NOMA scheme has better anti-interference performance than a non-collaborative scheme, and adjusting the above parameters can effectively improve the system’s stable communication performance.
Modeling and Harmonic Analysis of a Fractional-Order Zeta Converter
Authors: Xie Lingling , Wan Di
Published: May 2023

The Zeta converter is an essential and widely used high-order converter. The current modeling studies on Zeta converters are based on the model that devices, such as capacitors and inductors, are of integer order. For this reason, this paper takes the Zeta converter as the research object and conducts an in-depth study on its fractional-order modeling. However, the existing modeling and analysis methods have high computational complexity, the analytical solutions of system variables are tedious, and it is difficult to describe the ripple changes of state variables. This paper combines the principle of harmonic balance with the equivalent small parameter method (ESPM); the approximate analytic steady-state solution of the state variable can be obtained in only three iterative steps in the whole solving process. The DC components and ripples of the state variables obtained by the proposed method were compared with those obtained by the Oustaloup’s filter-based approximation method; the symbolic period results obtained by ESPM had sufficient precision because they included more combinations of higher harmonics. Finally, the influence of fractional order on harmonics were analyzed. The obtained results show that the proposed method has the advantage of being less computational and easily describing changes in the ripple of the state variables. The simulation results are provided for validity of the theoretical analysis.
Assessing the Potential of Heat Pumps to Reduce the Radiator Size on Small Satellites
Authors: Bennett Nick S. , Lim Brian
Published: May 2023

Future small satellites will demand high-performance on-board electronics, requiring sophisticated approaches to heat rejection beyond simply increasing the radiator surface area. An interesting alternative approach is to increase the surface temperature of the radiator, using a heat pump. In this study, calculations were carried out to compute the theoretical radiator size reduction potential enacted by having a heat pump as part of a satellite’s thermal management system. The practical likelihood of a ‘typical’ vapor compression cycle (VCC) heat pump satisfying theoretical requirements was considered. In agreement with theoretical calculations, employing a ‘typical’ VCC heat pump could either increase or decrease the required radiator surface area. The choice of heat pump and its design is therefore crucial. A heat pump with a large temperature lift is essential for satellite radiator cooling applications, with the coefficient of performance (COP) being less important. Even with a low COP, such as 2.4, a ‘typical’ heat pump providing a large temperature lift, close to 60 °C, could reduce the satellite’s radiator surface area by a factor close to 1.4. This is a significant potential reduction. The decision on whether to pursue this approach compared to alternatives, such as deployable radiators, should consider the relative complexity, cost, weight, size, reliability, etc., of the two options. The focus of this study is VCC heat pumps; however, the results provide performance targets for less mature heat pump technologies, e.g., caloric devices, which could ultimately be applied in space.
Safety Assessment of the Ammonia Bunkering Process in the Maritime Sector: A Review
Authors: Duong Phan Anh , Ryu Bo Rim , Song Mi Kyoung , Nguyen Hong Van , Nam Dong , Kang Hokeun
Published: May 2023

One of the main goals of the shipping industry is to decarbonize the fuels used in maritime transportation. Ammonia is thought to be a potential alternative for hydrogen storage in the future, allowing for CO2-free energy systems. Ammonia’s beneficial characteristics with regard to hydrogen storage include its high volumetric hydrogen density, low storage pressure, and long-term stability. However, ammonia is characterized by toxicity, flammability, and corrosiveness, making safety a challenge compared to other alternative fuels. In specific circumstances, leakage from ammonia bunkering can cause risks, dispersion, and unsafe areas due to its flammability and toxicity. Based on an analysis of 118 research papers and 50 regulations and guidelines, this review report evaluates various aspects of the hazards associated with the ammonia bunkering processes, considering both current and future implications. This report also includes the latest advancements and potential developments related to the safety of ammonia as a marine fuel. Several related regulations and standards for ammonia supply systems are discussed. This paper examines experiments and numerical investigations conducted using different methods of ammonia bunkering, such as terminal-to-ship, ship-to-ship, and truck-to-ship transfers. This review shows that the toxicity of ammonia is more relevant to the topics of vapor cloud dispersion and ammonia bunkering than its flammability. Finally, the main challenges and recommendations for the implementation of ammonia bunkering and further development of ammonia as a marine fuel are proposed. This review suggests new directions to overcome the disadvantages and research gaps associated with the leakage of ammonia during bunkering periods.
Improving the Energy Efficiency of Public Utility Buildings in Poland through Thermomodernization and Renewable Energy Sources—A Case Study
Authors: Barwińska-Małajowicz Anna , Pyrek Radosław , Szczotka Krzysztof , Szymiczek Jakub , Piecuch Teresa
Published: May 2023

Economical and efficient use of energy is promoted around the world as a model of conscious care for the environment in which we live. A mere change of habits in the use of energy can reduce its costs by 5% to 15%, and investments in energy-saving technologies can pay for themselves after just a few years. This case study shows how significant steps can be taken in saving energy in the building of public utility buildings through deep thermomodernization using renewable energy sources—compressor heat pumps and photovoltaics. The article presents a comprehensive thermomodernization of a school building made according to Polish regulations. A detailed description of the tested object is given, and the calculation procedure is described. Next, the optimal investment variant and ex post analysis are described. The implementation of these projects significantly improved the energy efficiency of the building and generated final energy savings of 80%, which will significantly reduce the school’s operating costs. Thanks to the applied improvements, it was possible to save 72.30% of thermal energy in the building, which directly translates into lowering the building’s operating costs. The improvement of energy efficiency indicators ranges from 66% for usable energy to almost 85% for non-renewable primary energy. Furthermore, by reducing the demand for energy used in the building by nearly 74%, we see a reduction in CO2 emissions. The methods used were desk research and an extended case study of Poland, a country facing a number of problems related to energy prices during the energy crisis. In this article, we identify the challenges faced by Poland due to its geopolitical situation, and the solutions introduced to the difficult situation in the energy market come in the form of the thermomodernization of buildings. It was on this basis that Poland was selected as a case study.
Quality and Functional Characterization of Acetic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Farm-Produced Fruit Vinegars
Authors: Kim Sun-Hee , Jeong Woo-Soo , Kim So-Young , Yeo Soo-Hwan
Published: May 2023

Acetic acid bacteria (AAB) form a bacterial film on the surface of alcoholic solutions and ferment ethanol to acetic acid while also producing bioactive compounds. To discover functional AAB for industrial use, we isolated and selected strains from farm-produced vinegars using a CaCO3-containing medium. The seven isolated strains belonged to Acetobacter cerevisiae and Acetobacter pasteurianus. These strains were tolerant to ethanol concentrations up to 12% (v/v). Acidification was seen for GHA 7, GYA 23, JGB 21-17, and GHA 20 strains at a growth temperature of 40 °C. The seven AAB isolates had strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Antioxidant activity, as assessed using the DPPH and ABTS assays, was two- and four-fold higher than that for the negative control (1% acetic acid), respectively. We also observed 91.3% inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme activity for the KSO 5 strain, which was higher than that for the positive control, 0.1% captopril (76.9%). All strains showed complete inhibition of α-glucosidase, except JGB 21-17 and GHA 7, which showed 98.3% inhibition. Our work suggests the usefulness of the selected strains as seed strains for the highly efficient production of functional vinegar and illustrates the identification of useful functional characteristics on a scientific basis.
Reproductive Success Dynamics Could Limit Precision in Close-Kin Mark–Recapture Abundance Estimation for Atlantic Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara)
Authors: Tringali Michael D.
Published: May 2023

Extra-Poisson variance in annual reproductive success can affect the precision of abundance estimates made using ‘close-kin’ mark–recapture procedures. However, empirical evaluation of that variance in natural marine populations can be daunting. Here, a scaling method was used to extend a discrete-time, age-structured model, facilitating investigation of annual and lifetime reproductive success dynamics in Epinephelus itajara. Life tables were synthesized from fishery assessment vital rates and life history measures. For model scaling, a precise empirical estimate of effective population size for the studied population was utilized as the independent variable, and model sensitivity to an informative range of adult abundance was evaluated. The potential for sex reversal to impact reproductive success dynamics was also investigated, albeit in the absence of selective fishing pressure and potential compensatory or depensatory responses. Close-kin relationships in a genetic sample of ~300 adults collected from spawning sites in the Florida Atlantic included numerous full-sibling pairs and multi-sibling families, which is unusual for long-lived, iteroparous marine populations with broadly dispersed larvae. The highly overdispersed reproductive success dynamics modeled for this population and its atypical kinship distribution could have ramifications for planned close-kin mark–recapture analyses. The low observed effective size also has conservation implications. Both issues warrant continued genetic monitoring.
An Efficient Numerical Method for Pricing Double-Barrier Options on an Underlying Stock Governed by a Fractal Stochastic Process
Authors: Nuugulu Samuel Megameno , Gideon Frednard , Patidar Kailash C.
Published: May 2023

After the discovery of the fractal structures of financial markets, enormous effort has been dedicated to finding accurate and stable numerical schemes to solve fractional Black-Scholes partial differential equations. This work, therefore, proposes a numerical scheme for pricing double-barrier options, written on an underlying stock whose dynamics are governed by a non-standard fractal stochastic process. The resultant model is time-fractional and is herein referred to as a time-fractional Black-Scholes model. The presence of the time-fractional derivative helps to capture the time-decaying effects of the underlying stock while capturing the globalized change in underlying prices and barriers. In this paper, we present the construction of the proposed scheme, analyse it in terms of its stability and convergence, and present two numerical examples of pricing double knock-in barrier-option problems. The results suggest that the proposed scheme is unconditionally stable and convergent with order O(h2+k2).