bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gesture–Speech Integration in Typical and Atypical Adolescent Readers
Authors: Yao Ru , Guan Connie Qun , Smolen Elaine R. , MacWhinney Brian , Meng Wanjin , Morett Laura M.
Published: June 2022

This study investigated gesture–speech integration (GSI) among adolescents who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) and those with typical hearing. Thirty-eight adolescents (19 with hearing loss) performed a Stroop-like task in which they watched 120 short video clips of gestures and actions twice at random. Participants were asked to press one button if the visual content of the speaker’s movements was related to a written word and to press another button if it was unrelated to a written word while accuracy rates and response times were recorded. We found stronger GSI effects among DHH participants than hearing participants. The semantic congruency effect was significantly larger in DHH participants than in hearing participants, and results of our experiments indicated a significantly larger gender congruency effect in DHH participants as compared to hearing participants. Results of this study shed light on GSI among DHH individuals and suggest future avenues for research examining the impact of gesture on language processing and communication in this population.
Effects of Culture on the Balance Between Mathematics Achievement and Subjective Wellbeing
Authors: Meng Jingyi , Liu Simiao
Published: June 2022

Previous studies suggested that culture have impact on students' mathematics achievement and subjective wellbeing, but few investigated the effects of culture on the balance between them. Drawing on Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory, this study investigated the effects of culture on balance between students' mathematics achievement and subjective wellbeing. Results showed the significant effects of cultural dimensions of long-term orientation vs. short-term orientation and indulgence vs. restraint. Students from countries of high long-term orientation and low indulgence culture were more likely to get both high mathematics achievement and high SWB. Besides, wealth-related variables (family SES and GDP per capita) and gender were also found to influence the odds ratio of balance. The findings confirmed the effects of national culture on the balance between mathematics achievement and SWB. Based on the findings, this study discussed the effects of long-term orientation and restraint culture and Confucian heritage culture's potential benefit. The results indicate that mathematics educators should consider cultural differences in educational practice and stress the importance and meaning of mathematics learning.
On the Role of Teachers’ Professional Identity and Well-Being in Their Professional Development
Authors: Zhao Qian
Published: June 2022

In the former 20 years, professional identity has arisen as a different study domain in the area of language instruction and education. Educators’ professional identity frames educators’ explanation of their functions, academic changes, and alterations in syllabi, class exercises, utilization of approaches and strategies, and their connection to other problems in the academic setting. Also, well-being is one of the elements in which its influence and connection with identity are noted in various studies. However, their roles in professional development have not been examined; hence, this review of literature aimed to investigate the role of these constructs in professional development which is regarded as a noteworthy aspect of teacher quality. In a nutshell, some implications are proposed for the scholastic stakeholders.
Exploring a Dance/Movement Program on Mental Health and Well-Being in Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence During a Pandemic
Authors: Özümerzifon Yasemin , Ross Allison , Brinza Tessa , Gibney Gina , Garber Carol Ewing
Published: June 2022

Aims

The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and benefits of a 12-session dance/movement program for intimate partner violence survivors' mental health and PTSD symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The specific purposes were fourfold: (1) To determine the feasibility of delivering a virtual dance/movement workshop program; (2) to examine the effects of the program on symptoms of PTSD and psychological distress; (3) to determine whether heart rate variability improves; and (4) to describe the individual and shared experiences of a subgroup of participants of the program.

Methods

Forty-five women ages 23–48 years were randomized to a 12-session virtual creative dance/movement program or a usual care control group, and completed questionnaires about PTSD and mental health symptoms, general health, physical activity, and underwent a brief measurement of heart rate variability. A subset of the intervention group participated in a semi-structured focus group.

Results

The results of the study showed that the female survivors of intimate partner violence who participated in the virtual workshops felt better, and they experienced improved affect and reduced tension. They found new ways to express themselves, attune to their bodies, learn new self-care habits, and build community as they engaged in the workshops. Over the course of the study, the participants' symptoms of PTSD and psychological distress lessened. There were no changes in heart rate variability.

Conclusions

This complex study was successfully completed during a global pandemic and resulted in improvements in some mental health symptoms and overall well-being. Given the importance of this work with intimate partner violence survivors, further work exploring dance/movement workshops for participants virtually and in-person is needed.
Positive Effects of the Caregiver Skill Training Program on Children With Developmental Disabilities: Experiences From Serbia
Authors: Glumbic Nenad , Grujicic Roberto , Stupar Sanja , Petrovic Suncica , Pejovic-Milovancevic Milica
Published: June 2022

Background

Intervention programs for children with developmental disabilities increasingly target caregiver training to implement effective strategies for child development. Research conducted in different countries shows that the Caregiver Skills Training Program (CST) developed by the World Health Organization and Autism Speaks could also be a recommended intervention.

Methods

The pre-pilot phase included seven, and the pilot phase included 29 families of children with developmental disabilities trained to implement the intervention program. The caregivers were asked to complete the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist at the beginning and at the end of the program.

Results

In the pre-pilot phase, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test determined a statistically significant improvement in Speech, Language and Communication (z = −2.99, p < 0.05) and Health/Physical/Behavior (z = −2.375, p < 0.05) after caregiver participation in the training program. In the pilot phase, the paired t-test also determined a statistically significant improvement in Speech, Language and Communication between the first (M = 24.52, SD = 5.57) and the second testing (M = 25.66, SD = 6.11), t(28) = −2.29, p < 0.05, as well as a significant improvement between the first (M = 36.62; SD = 7.15) and the second testing (M = 35.38; SD = 5.91), t(28) = 2.11, p < 0.05 in Health/Physical/Behavior. Eta squared values (0.16 and 0.14) indicate that the intervention effect was significant. No differences were determined in Sociability and Sensory/Cognitive Awareness between the first and the second testing.

Conclusion

The initial results of the Caregiver Skills Training Program are encouraging. For this program to be recommended as an evidence-based intervention, further research should be conducted on larger samples, controlling possible intervening variables.
Willingness and Influencing Factors to Receive COVID-19 Vaccination Among Chinese Medical Students
Authors: Liu Huan , Zhou Zhiqing , Tao Xiubin , Huang Long , Zhu Ergang , Yu Liang , Du Shaoling , Zhang Ming
Published: June 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study is to evaluate the desire of medical students in China to get vaccinated or not get vaccinated and the reasons for either decision.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from 11 March and 12 March 2021, by administering an online questionnaire to the Chinese medical students. Data entry and analysis were conducted using IBM SPSS ver. 26.0.

Results

Of 3,047 students who completed the survey, 37.9% (1,154) of participants indicated that they would be vaccinated against COVID-19, while 62.1% (1,893) declared that they would not. Attitudes to the COVID-19 vaccine (p = 0.000), levels of eHealth Literacy (p = 0.000), the impact of COVID19 (p = 0.000), concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine (p = 0.000) and gender (p = 0.000) strong associations with willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Conclusion

The willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination was sub-optimal among medical students in China. Educational interventions to improve medical students' perceptions and acceptance toward the COVID-19 vaccine are needed.
A Socio-Ecological Framework for Cancer Prevention in Low and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Akinyemiju Tomi , Ogunsina Kemi , Gupta Anjali , Liu Iris , Braithwaite Dejana , Hiatt Robert A.
Published: June 2022

Cancer incidence and mortality rates continue to rise globally, a trend mostly driven by preventable cancers occurring in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). There is growing concern that many LMICs are ill-equipped to cope with markedly increased burden of cancer due to lack of comprehensive cancer control programs that incorporate primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies. Notably, few countries have allocated budgets to implement such programs. In this review, we utilize a socio-ecological framework to summarize primary (risk reduction), secondary (early detection), and tertiary (treatment and survivorship) strategies to reduce the cancer burden in these countries across the individual, organizational, community, and policy levels. We highlight strategies that center on promoting health behaviors and reducing cancer risk, including diet, tobacco, alcohol, and vaccine uptake, approaches to promote routine cancer screenings, and policies to support comprehensive cancer treatment. Consistent with goals promulgated by the United Nations General Assembly on Noncommunicable Disease Prevention and Control, our review supports the development and implementation of sustainable national comprehensive cancer control plans in partnership with local communities to enhance cultural relevance and adoption, incorporating strategies across the socio-ecological framework. Such a concerted commitment will be necessary to curtail the rising cancer and chronic disease burden in LMICs.
Economic Burden and Influencing Factors of Acute Gastroenteritis in China: A Population-Based Face to Face Survey in 2018
Authors: Huo Yue , Gao Fei , Wang Jiayu , Liu Zhongwei , Zhou Liangru , Gu Baiyang , Zhang Xin , Ma Yi
Published: June 2022

Background

Acute gastroenteritis is an important and highly prevalent public health problem worldwide. The purpose of this study was to assess the economic burden of disease and its influencing factors in patients with acute gastroenteritis in Heilongjiang Province, China.

Methods

A multi-stage stratified random sampling method was used in a face-to-face household survey in 2018. Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, clinical symptoms, suspicious dietary history, and disease treatment information were collected from 19,647 respondents. One-way analysis of variance and multiple stepwise regression analysis were used to investigate the factors associated with the economic burden of acute gastroenteritis. Quantitative risk analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed to estimate the uncertainty and risk factors of the economic burden of acute gastroenteritis.

Results

The total economic burden of patients with acute gastroenteritis was 63,969.22 CNY (Chinese Yuan), of which the direct economic burden accounted for 63.82%; the per capita economic burden was 131.35 CNY per month. Age, region, disease duration, and disease treatment were the main factors significantly associated with the economic burden of acute gastroenteritis (P < 0.05). The average economic burden of patients with acute gastroenteritis was approximately 571.84 CNY/person (95% CI: 227–1,459). Sensitivity analysis showed that the greatest impact was from the indirect economic burden.

Conclusions

Acute gastroenteritis brings a substantial health burden to patients due to its high incidence. The economic burden of self-purchased drugs and the indirect economic burden of patients cannot be ignored. To better estimate the economic burden of acute gastroenteritis in China, further studies on the pathogen-specific economic burden of acute gastroenteritis are required.
Adaptation and Resilience: Lessons Learned From Implementing a Combination Health and Education Intervention for Adolescent Girls and Young Women in South Africa During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Duby Zoe , Bunce Brittany , Fowler Chantal , Jonas Kim , Govindasamy Darshini , Wagner Colleen , Mangoale Kgahliso , Ambrose Anthony , Mathews Catherine
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with reduced access to health services and worsening health outcomes for HIV and sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Through the analysis of data from an evaluation study of a combination intervention for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in South Africa, we sought to examine the way in which implementation and service provision were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions, describing the adaptation implementers made to respond to this context. The intervention was implemented from 2019 in South African districts identified as high priority, given the high rates of HIV and teenage pregnancy amongst AGYW. The South African government introduced the first COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020. We conducted in-depth interviews with 38 intervention implementers in the period from November 2020 to March 2021. Respondents described various ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions had limited their ability to implement the intervention and provide services as planned. As a result, AGYW intervention beneficiary access to SRH and psychosocial services was disrupted. Implementers described several ways in which they attempted to adapt to the pandemic context, such as offering services remotely or door-to-door. Despite attempts to respond to the context and adapt services, overall COVID-19 negatively affected implementation and service provision, and heightened issues around community acceptability of the programs. Our findings can help to inform efforts to reduce health service disruption, increase health system resilience, and ensure continuous SRH service provision to AGYW in times of pandemics and other crises.
Which Functional Tests and Self-Reported Questionnaires Can Help Clinicians Make Valid Return to Sport Decisions in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability? A Narrative Review and Expert Opinion
Authors: Picot Brice , Hardy Alexandre , Terrier Romain , Tassignon Bruno , Lopes Ronny , Fourchet François
Published: June 2022

Lateral ankle sprain is the most common injury in sports, with up to 40% of patients developing chronic ankle instability (CAI). One possible cause underlying this high rate of recurrence or feeling of giving way may be a premature return to sport (RTS). Indeed, except for time-based parameters, there are no specific criteria to guide clinicians in their RTS decisions in patients with CAI. A recent international consensus highlighted the relevance and importance of including patient-reported ankle function questionnaires combined with functional tests targeting ankle impairments in this population. Thus, the aim of this narrative review and expert opinion was to identify the most relevant functional performance tests and self-reported questionnaires to help clinicians in their RTS decision-making process following recurrent ankle sprains or surgical ankle stabilization. The PubMed (MEDLINE), PEDro, Cochrane Library and ScienceDirect databases were searched to identify published articles. Results showed that the single leg stance test on firm surfaces, the modified version of the star excursion balance test, the side hop test and the figure-of-8 test appeared to be the most relevant functional performance tests to target ankle impairments in patients with CAI. A combination of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and the Ankle Ligament Reconstruction-Return to Sport after Injury (ALR-RSI) questionnaires were the most relevant self-reported questionnaires to assess patient function in the context of CAI. Although these functional tests and questionnaires provide a solid foundation for clinicians to validate their RTS decisions in patient with CAI, objective scientific criteria with cut-off scores are still lacking. In addition to the proposed test cluster, an analysis of the context, in particular characteristics related to sports (e.g., fatigue, cognitive constraints), to obtain more information about the patient's risk of recurrent injury could be of added value when making a RTS decision in patients with CAI. In order to evaluate the strength of evertors under ecological conditions, it would also be interesting to assess the ability to control weight-bearing ankle inversion in a unipodal stance. Further studies are needed to assess the relevance of this proposed test cluster in RTS decision-making following lateral ankle sprain injury and CAI.
Development of a New Wearable 3D Sensor Node and Innovative Open Classification System for Dairy Cows’ Behavior
Authors: Lovarelli Daniela , Brandolese Carlo , Leliveld Lisette , Finzi Alberto , Riva Elisabetta , Grotto Matteo , Provolo Giorgio
Published: June 2022

Monitoring dairy cattle behavior can improve the detection of health and welfare issues for early interventions. Often commercial sensors do not provide researchers with sufficient raw and open data; therefore, the aim of this study was to develop an open and customizable system to classify cattle behaviors. A 3D accelerometer device and host-board (i.e., sensor node) were embedded in a case and fixed on a dairy cow collar. It was developed to work in two modes: (1) acquisition mode, where a mobile application supported the raw data collection during observations; and (2) operating mode, where data was processed and sent to a gateway and on the cloud. Accelerations were sampled at 25 Hz and behaviors were classified in 10-min windows. Several algorithms were trained with the 108 h of behavioral data acquired from 32 cows on 3 farms, and after evaluating their computational/memory complexity and accuracy, the Decision Tree algorithm was selected. This model detected standing, lying, eating, and ruminating with an average accuracy of 85.12%. The open nature of this system enables for the addition of other functions (e.g., real-time localization of cows) and the integration with other information sources, e.g., microenvironment and air quality sensors, thereby enhancing data processing potential.
Visual Management and Gamification: An Innovation for Disseminating Information about Production to Construction Professionals
Authors: Leite Regina Maria Cunha , Winkler Ingrid , Alves Lynn Rosalina Gama
Published: June 2022

The construction industry is undergoing a digital transformation, with the goal of developing long-term solutions that promote construction companies’ alignment with market demands and that empower them to reduce production losses as much as possible. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate a gamified model for disseminating production information in the construction industry using visual management. This was a qualitative exploratory study that employed the Design Science methodology and the Design Science Research method. The model was designed, developed, and evaluated by 35 people, including 10 off-site users who focused on usability, user experience, and model promotability, 15 engineers, and 10 workers who considered user experience and promotability. Employees and managers thought the model was excellent, while outside users thought it was good. Furthermore, the evaluators made suggestions for improvements aimed at achieving excellence. We conclude that the proposed model improves production information dissemination in construction by considering the target audience’s digital inclusion and knowledge diffusion within work teams.
Analytic Derivation of Ascent Trajectories and Performance of Launch Vehicles
Authors: Teofilatto Paolo , Carletta Stefano , Pontani Mauro
Published: June 2022

This papers introduces an analytic method to define multistage launcher trajectories to determine the payload mass that can be inserted in orbits of different semimajor axes and inclinations. This method can evaluate the gravity loss, which is the main term to be subtracted to the Tziolkowski evaluation of the velocity provided by the thrust of a launcher. In the method, the trajectories are dependent on two parameters only: the final flight-path angle γf at the end of the gravity-turn arc of the launcher trajectory and the duration tc of the coasting arc following the gravity-turn phase. The analytic formulas for the gravity-turn phase, being solutions of differential equations with a singularity, allow us to identify the trajectory with a required final flight-path angle γf in infinite solutions with the same initial vertical launch condition. This can also drive the selection of the parameters of the pitch manoeuvre needed to turn the launcher from the initial vertical arc. For any pair γf and tc, a launcher trajectory is determined. A numerical solver is used to identify the values γf and tc, allowing for the insertion of the payload mass into the required orbit. The analytic method is compared with a numerical code including the drag effect, which is the only effect overlooked in the analytic formulas. The analytical method is proven to predict the payload mass with an error never exceeding the 10% of the actual payload mass, found through numerical propagation.
Hybrid Quality Inspection for the Automotive Industry: Replacing the Paper-Based Conformity List through Semi-Supervised Object Detection and Simulated Data
Authors: Rio-Torto Isabel , Campaniço Ana Teresa , Pinho Pedro , Filipe Vitor , Teixeira Luís F.
Published: June 2022

The still prevalent use of paper conformity lists in the automotive industry has a serious negative impact on the performance of quality control inspectors. We propose instead a hybrid quality inspection system, where we combine automated detection with human feedback, to increase worker performance by reducing mental and physical fatigue, and the adaptability and responsiveness of the assembly line to change. The system integrates the hierarchical automatic detection of the non-conforming vehicle parts and information visualization on a wearable device to present the results to the factory worker and obtain human confirmation. Besides designing a novel 3D vehicle generator to create a digital representation of the non conformity list and to collect automatically annotated training data, we apply and aggregate in a novel way state-of-the-art domain adaptation and pseudo labeling methods to our real application scenario, in order to bridge the gap between the labeled data generated by the vehicle generator and the real unlabeled data collected on the factory floor. This methodology allows us to obtain, without any manual annotation of the real dataset, an example-based F1 score of 0.565 in an unconstrained scenario and 0.601 in a fixed camera setup (improvements of 11 and 14.6 percentage points, respectively, over a baseline trained with purely simulated data). Feedback obtained from factory workers highlighted the usefulness of the proposed solution, and showed that a truly hybrid assembly line, where machine and human work in symbiosis, increases both efficiency and accuracy in automotive quality control.
Analyzing and Controlling Construction Engineering Project Gray Rhino Risks with Innovative MCDM Methods: Interference Fuzzy Analytical Network Process and Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory
Authors: Guo Jeen , Xiang Pengcheng , Lee Yuanli
Published: June 2022

Construction engineering projects are costly and require large amounts of labor, physical, and financial resources. The failure of a construction engineering project typically brings huge losses. Previous studies have focused on the identification of risks, but insufficient attention has been given to strategic resource allocation for risk management after risk identification. Statistics show that most construction engineering project failures are caused by common risks. Common risks are called gray rhino risks. This metaphor illustrates that many risks are obvious but dangerous. This study was motivated by the challenge of efficiently managing gray rhino risks with limited inputs. The literature suggests that gray rhino risks are abundant in construction engineering projects and that there are mutual eliciting relationships between them, which make it difficult for the manager to devote enough resources to the prevention of key risks. Considerable resources are wasted on unimportant risks, resulting in key risk occurrence and failure of construction engineering projects. Therefore, this study describes an innovative multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) technique for ranking risks based on the strength of the eliciting relationships between them. This study used the fuzzy technique and created an interference fuzzy analytical network process (IF-ANP) method. By employing the IF-ANP alongside a decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) approach, the subjectivity can be effectively reduced and the accuracy improved during expert risk evaluation for construction engineering projects. IF-ANP was used to quantify eliciting relationships between risks and DEMATEL was used to rank risks based on the IF-ANP result. An empirical study was done to meticulously rank five risks that were selected from the gray rhino risks in the Chengdu–Chongqing Middle Line High-speed Railway construction engineering project. They are capital chain rupture, decision failure, policy and legal risk, economic downturn, and stakeholder conflict. The results showed that the policy and legal risk was the source of other risks, and that these other risks were symptoms rather than the disease.
A Novel Immersive Anatomy Education System (Anat_Hub): Redefining Blended Learning for the Musculoskeletal System
Authors: Boomgaard Ayesha , Fritz Kaylyn A. , Isafiade Omowunmi E. , Kotze Retha Christina M. , Ekpo Okobi , Smith Marjorie , Gessler Tyler , Filton Kayleigh J. , Cupido Christiaan C. , Aden Bahija , Yokwe Ntokozo , Mayekiso Luyanda , Gxowa Siyamthanda , Levitt Annelize , Dlodlo Lilitha , Madushana Nosicelo , de Laroche Souvestre Desiré Laurent
Published: June 2022

Immersive technologies are redefining ways of interacting with 3D objects and their environments. Moreover, efforts in blended learning have presented several advantages of incorporating educational technology into the learning space. The advances in educational technology have in turn helped to widen the choice of different pedagogies for improving learner engagement and levels of understanding. However, there is limited research in anatomy education that has considered the use and adoption of immersive technologies for the musculoskeletal system, despite its immense advantage. This research presents a practical immersive anatomy education system (coined Anat_Hub) developed using the agile scrum and participatory design method at a selected tertiary institution in Cape Town, South Africa, which promotes learner engagement through an asynchronous technological means using augmented reality (AR). The aim of the study was to develop an immersive AR mobile application that will assist learners and educators in studying and teaching the names, attachments, and actions of muscles of the human musculoskeletal system (upper and lower limbs). The Anat_Hub application offers a wide range of useful features for promoting active and self-regulated learning, such as 3D and AR modes, glossary, and quiz features. The application was tested with potential users, and on a variety of mobile device specifications. Very few volunteers have used AR prior to this study (13.2%). On a scale of 1 to 5, the majority of volunteers scored the application a 4 or 5. Overall, results and feedback obtained from users show that the proposed immersive anatomy system could effectively improve learner engagement and retention of anatomy concepts.
Classification of Trash and Valuables with Machine Vision in Shared Cars
Authors: Jayawickrama Nilusha , Ojala Risto , Pirhonen Jesse , Kivekäs Klaus , Tammi Kari
Published: June 2022

This study focused on the possibility of implementing a vision-based architecture to monitor and detect the presence of trash or valuables in shared cars. The system was introduced to take pictures of the rear seating area of a four-door passenger car. Image capture was performed with a stationary wide-angled camera unit, and image classification was conducted with a prediction model in a remote server. For classification, a convolutional neural network (CNN) in the form of a fine-tuned VGG16 model was developed. The CNN yielded an accuracy of 91.43% on a batch of 140 test images. To determine the correlation among the predictions, a confusion matrix was used, and in addition, for each predicted image, the certainty of the distinct output classes was examined. The execution time of the system, from capturing an image to displaying the results, ranged from 5.7 to 17.2 s. Misclassifications from the prediction model were observed in the results primarily due to the variation in ambient light levels and shadows within the images, which resulted in the target items lacking contrast with their neighbouring background. Developments pertaining to the modularity of the camera unit and expanding the dataset of training images are suggested for potential future research.
An Intelligent Manufacturing Approach Based on a Novel Deep Learning Method for Automatic Machine and Working Status Recognition
Authors: Jia Feiyu , Jebelli Ali , Ma Yongsheng , Ahmad Rafiq
Published: June 2022

Smart manufacturing uses robots and artificial intelligence techniques to minimize human interventions in manufacturing activities. Inspection of the machine’ working status is critical in manufacturing processes, ensuring that machines work correctly without any collisions and interruptions, e.g., in lights-out manufacturing. However, the current method heavily relies on workers onsite or remotely through the Internet. The existing approaches also include a hard-wired robot working with a computer numerical control (CNC) machine, and the instructions are followed through a pre-program path. Currently, there is no autonomous machine tending application that can detect and act upon the operational status of a CNC machine. This study proposes a deep learning-based method for the CNC machine detection and working status recognition through an independent robot system without human intervention. It is noted that there is often more than one machine working in a representative industrial environment. Therefore, the SiameseRPN method is developed to recognize and locate a specific machine from a group of machines. A deep learning-based text recognition method is designed to identify the working status from the human–machine interface (HMI) display.
Robustness for the Starting Point of Two Iterative Methods for Fitting Debye or Cole–Cole Models to a Dielectric Permittivity Spectrum
Authors: Dima Roberto , Buonanno Giovanni , Costanzo Sandra , Solimene Raffaele
Published: June 2022

Curve-fitting means the determination of the set of parameters that best fit the input data set as expressed by a given function that is usually non-linear. The paper addresses the curve fitting of Debye and Cole–Cole models to a dielectric permittivity spectrum. The success of a nonlinear curve fit heavily depends on the choice of the algorithm and how close the starting point is to the solution. For these reasons, two different algorithms, the Levenberg–Marquardt and the Variable Projection algorithms, were used for constrained optimization and compared, with particular reference to robustness with respect to the choice of the starting point of the reconstruction procedure. The dielectric spectrum of blood plasma with different glucose concentrations is taken as reference data and a Monte Carlo analysis was conducted to evaluate accuracy and precision in the two methods provided as the distance of the initial parameters from the true value’s changes. In general, both algorithms with constraints on the parameters provide good results for practical situations, although the Variable Projection Algorithm has a greater computational burden for large data sets.
A Robust Framework for Real-Time Iris Landmarks Detection Using Deep Learning
Authors: Adnan Muhammad , Sardaraz Muhammad , Tahir Muhammad , Dar Muhammad Najam , Alduailij Mona , Alduailij Mai
Published: June 2022

Iris detection and tracking plays a vital role in human–computer interaction and has become an emerging field for researchers in the last two decades. Typical applications such as virtual reality, augmented reality, gaze detection for customer behavior, controlling computers, and handheld embedded devices need accurate and precise detection of iris landmarks. A significant improvement has been made so far in iris detection and tracking. However, iris landmarks detection in real-time with high accuracy is still a challenge and a computationally expensive task. This is also accompanied with the lack of a publicly available dataset of annotated iris landmarks. This article presents a benchmark dataset and a robust framework for the localization of key landmark points to extract the iris with better accuracy. A number of training sessions have been conducted for MobileNetV2, ResNet50, VGG16, and VGG19 over an iris landmarks dataset, and ImageNet weights are used for model initialization. The Mean Absolute Error (MAE), model loss, and model size are measured to evaluate and validate the proposed model. Results analyses show that the proposed model outperforms other methods on selected parameters. The MAEs of MobileNetV2, ResNet50, VGG16, and VGG19 are 0.60, 0.33, 0.35, and 0.34; the average decrease in size is 60%, and the average reduction in response time is 75% compared to the other models. We collected the images of eyes and annotated them with the help of the proposed algorithm. The generated dataset has been made publicly available for research purposes. The contribution of this research is a model with a more diminutive size and the real-time and accurate prediction of iris landmarks, along with the provided dataset of iris landmark annotations.
CDK5/NFAT5-Regulated Transporters Involved in Osmoregulation in Fejervarya cancrivora
Authors: Li Jiao , Wang Xinru , Lan Tian , Lu Yingnan , Hong Meiling , Ding Li , Wang Lijun
Published: June 2022

Crab-eating frogs (Fejervarya cancrivora) can live in brackish water with a salinity of up to 18‰, although most amphibians are not able to tolerate such high saline environments. To investigate its potential osmoregulation, we conducted experiments in F. cancrivora and F. multistriata. The results showed that F. cancrivora made use of ions (such as Na+ and Cl−) to increase intracellular concentrations via the Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) enzyme. The mRNA expression of aldose reductase (AR) was significantly higher in F. cancrivora (p < 0.05), indicating that more organic osmolytes were produced and transported to maintain cellular homeosis. The mRNA expressions of Aquaporin 1 (AQP1) and AQP3 in kidney were significantly higher in F. cancrivora, while AQP expression in skin was higher in F. multistriata (p < 0.05). The mRNA level in activating the transcription of the nuclear factor of activated T cells-5 (NFAT5) which is one of the target genes of regulating the cellular response to hypertonicity, was higher in F. cancrivora. The protein expression of CDK5, the upstream protein of the NFAT5 pathway, was 2 times higher in F. cancrivora. Therefore, we can conclude that CDK5/NFAT5-regulated transporters might be involved in osmoregulation in F. cancrivora.
Dual Nanostructured Lipid Carriers/Hydrogel System for Delivery of Curcumin for Topical Skin Applications
Authors: Calderon-Jacinto Rosa , Matricardi Pietro , Gueguen Virginie , Pavon-Djavid Graciela , Pauthe Emmanuel , Rodriguez-Ruiz Violeta
Published: June 2022

This work focuses on the development and evaluation of a dual nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC)/Carbopol®-based hydrogel system as a potential transporter for the topical delivery of curcumin to the skin. Two populations of different sized negatively charged NLCs (P1, 70–90 nm and P2, 300–350 nm) were prepared and characterized by means of dynamic light scattering. NLCs presented an ovoid platelet shape confirmed by transmission electron microscopy techniques. Curcumin NLC entrapment efficiency and release profiles were assessed by HPLC (high pressure liquid chromatography) and spectrophotometric methods. Preservation and enhancement of curcumin (CUR) antioxidant activity in NLCs (up to 7-fold) was established and cell viability assays on fibroblasts and keratinocytes indicated that CUR-NLCs are non-cytotoxic for concentrations up to 10 μM and exhibited a moderate anti-migration/proliferation effect (20% gap reduction). CUR-NLCs were then embedded in a Carbopol®-based hydrogel without disturbing the mechanical properties of the gel. Penetration studies on Franz diffusion cells over 24 h in CUR-NLCs and CUR-NLCs/gels demonstrated an accumulation of CUR in Strat-M® membranes of 22% and 5%, respectively. All presented data support the use of this new dual CUR-NLC/hydrogel system as a promising candidate for adjuvant treatment in topical dermal applications.
Revisiting the miR-200 Family: A Clan of Five Siblings with Essential Roles in Development and Disease
Authors: Sundararajan Vignesh , Burk Ulrike C. , Bajdak-Rusinek Karolina
Published: June 2022

Over two decades of studies on small noncoding RNA molecules illustrate the significance of microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) in controlling multiple physiological and pathological functions through post-transcriptional and spatiotemporal gene expression. Among the plethora of miRs that are essential during animal embryonic development, in this review, we elaborate the indispensable role of the miR-200 family (comprising miR-200a, -200b, 200c, -141, and -429) in governing the cellular functions associated with epithelial homeostasis, such as epithelial differentiation and neurogenesis. Additionally, in pathological contexts, miR-200 family members are primarily involved in tumor-suppressive roles, including the reversal of the cancer-associated epithelial–mesenchymal transition dedifferentiation process, and are dysregulated during organ fibrosis. Moreover, recent eminent studies have elucidated the crucial roles of miR-200s in the pathophysiology of multiple neurodegenerative diseases and tissue fibrosis. Lastly, we summarize the key studies that have recognized the potential use of miR-200 members as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancers, elaborating the application of these small biomolecules in aiding early cancer detection and intervention.
Method Development and Qualification of pH-Based CEX UPLC Method for Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Bhatt Mithun , Alok Anshu , Kulkarni Bhushan B.
Published: June 2022

Post-translational modifications (“PTMs”) in monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) contribute to charge variant distribution, which will affect biological efficacy and safety. For the characterization of mAbs, charge variants are used as a critical quality attributes for product quality, stability consistency and effectiveness. Charge variants in mAbs are characterized by a time-consuming and a multistep process starting from cation/anion exchange chromatography, acidic/basic fractions collection and subsequent reverse phase (RP) liquid chromatography, coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) analysis. Hence, an alternative characterization approach that would be highly selective for ion exchange chromatography-based charge variant analysis, which is compatible with on-line MS detection, is needed in the biopharma industry. Against this backdrop, multiple studies are being conducted to develop a simple straight on-line charge variant analysis method. In this regard, we apply the current study, which aims to develop a charge variant analytical method, based on volatile buffers with low ionic strength that can be used for on-line MS detection of charge variants of mAbs. This would enable the detection on “PTMs” using low ionic strength mobile phase compatible with MS. Hence, fruitful data can be obtained with a single chromatography run without any test sample preparation, eliminating the need for multiple steps of analysis, time-consuming process and multiple sample preparation steps. Thus, Charge Variant Analysis-MS technique will allow the characterization of charge-related PTMs on the intact protein stage. In this regard, this study is about development of a method having combination of chromatography and volatile mobile phase for mass spectrometry detection of mAbs being analyzed in native form. The method is qualified considering pharmacopeia guidelines because the ultimate aim is to transfer this method for Quality Control (QC) release testing of a monoclonal antibody, which is critical for batch release and the regulatory point of view. Acidic and basic variants have been separated with high resolution peak profile. Furthermore, there was no matrix interference and good separation selectivity in terms of specificity was obtained using this method. The experimental data suggested for the linearity of the method are 2.4 mg/mL to 3.6 mg/mL with % RSD below 2.0%. Additionally, Limit of Quantitation is found to be 0.15 mg/mL, which is 5% of loading amount. Consistently, the data show that the method is precise under the same operating conditions with a short time interval. Overall a simple, accurate, robust and precise pH gradient cation exchange chromatography method was developed and qualified for the characterization of a therapeutic native mAb. Additionally, this method can be used to claim a biosimilar product profile of an in-house product compare to an innovator.
Diagnostic Utility of Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Patients with Acute Leukemia under Broad-Spectrum Anti-Infective Treatment
Authors: Ghandili Susanne , von Kroge Philipp H. , Simon Marcel , Henes Frank O. , Rohde Holger , Hoffmann Armin , Lindeman Nick Benjamin , Bokemeyer Carsten , Fiedler Walter , Modemann Franziska
Published: June 2022

Despite therapeutic advances in the prevention and treatment of febrile neutropenia, acute leukemia (AL) patients still have considerable febrile neutropenia-related mortality. However, the diagnostic yield of flexible bronchoscopy (FB) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in acute leukemia patients is unclear. In this retrospective single-center study, we analyzed 88 BAL samples of patients with acute leukemia and pulmonary infiltrates in spite of treatment with broad-spectrum anti-infective agents. The aim was to investigate the impact of FB with BAL on detecting causative organisms, which would result in a change in treatment regimens. The median age was 59 years, and 86% had acute myeloid leukemia. In 47%, pathogens were detectable in BAL fluid (pathogen bacteria, viruses, and fungi in 2, 15, and 18%, respectively), with Aspergillus fumigatus detected most frequently. BAL-guided anti-infective therapy changes were performed in 15%. The detection of herpes simplex and influenza viruses were the main reasons for treatment changes. Despite broad-spectrum anti-infective treatment, in approximately half of all patients, pathogens could still be isolated in BAL samples. However, consecutive changes in anti-infective treatment were considerably less frequent, with most changes performed in patients with Herpes simplex virus and Influenza A detection. The need for FB with BAL in patients with AL receiving broad-spectrum empiric anti-infective treatment should therefore be weighed carefully.
Current Evidence on Immunotherapy for Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia (GTN)
Authors: Mangili Giorgia , Sabetta Giulia , Cioffi Raffaella , Rabaiotti Emanuela , Candotti Giorgio , Pella Francesca , Candiani Massimo , Bergamini Alice
Published: June 2022

Background: Gestational trophoblastic disease includes a rare group of benign and malignant tumors derived from abnormal trophoblastic proliferation. Malignant forms are called gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) and include invasive mole, choriocarcinoma, placental site trophoblastic tumor and epithelioid trophoblastic tumor. Standard treatment of GTN is chemotherapy. The regimen of choice mainly depends on the FIGO prognostic score. Low-risk and high-risk GTN is treated with single-agent or multiagent chemotherapy, respectively. In the case of chemoresistance, immunotherapy may represent a new therapeutic strategy. Methods: Literature obtained from searches on PubMed concerning GTN and immunotherapy was reviewed. Results: Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and its ligands (PD-L1/2) are expressed in GTN. Published data on PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors alone in GTN were available for 51 patients. Pembrolizumab is an anti-PD-1 inhibitor used in chemoresistant forms of GTN. In the TROPHIMMUN trial, Avelumab, a monoclonal antibody inhibiting PD-L1, showed promising results only in patients with GTN resistant to monochemotherapy. Conversely, in patients with resistance to multiagent chemotherapy, treatment with Avelumab was discontinued due to severe toxicity and disease progression. The association of Camrelizumab and Apatinib could represent a different treatment for forms of GTN refractory to polychemotherapy or for relapses. Conclusions: Anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 might represent an important new treatment strategy for the management of chemoresistant/refractory GTN.