bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Synergistic Effect of Simultaneous Ultrasound Heating and Disintegration on the Technological Efficiency and Energetic Balance of Anaerobic Digestion of High-Load Slaughter Poultry Sewage
Authors: Kazimierowicz Joanna , Dębowski Marcin , Zieliński Marcin
Published: February 2023

Regulations in force urge for thermal pre-treatment of post-slaughter waste prior to its anaerobic digestion. Increased interest in biomethane as a fuel in gas networks or vehicles of road transport forces the need to look for heating methods that are alternative to heat recovery from cogeneration. The goal of this study was to determine the synergistic effect of simultaneous ultrasound heating and disintegration on the technological efficiency and energetic balance of the anaerobic digestion of high-load slaughter poultry wastewater. The highest efficiency of anaerobic digestion was obtained for the ultrasound thermal pre-treatment (60 min, 90 °C, OLR = 2.0 gCOD/dm3). In this experimental variant, the biogas production rate reached 9.0 ± 0.2 cm3/gCOD·h, biogas yield was 492 ± 10 cm3/gCOD, and the biogas produced contained 69.8 ± 1.4% CH4. Given the incurred energy outputs, the highest net energetic efficiencies, i.e., 5.92 ± 0.43 Wh and 5.80 ± 0.42 Wh, were obtained in the variants with the conventional thermal pre-treatment (60 min, 70 °C, OLR = 6.0 gCOD/dm3) and ultrasound thermal pre-treatment (60 min, 70 °C, OLR = 6.0 gCOD/dm3), respectively.
Forecasting Agricultural Financial Weather Risk Using PCA and SSA in an Index Insurance Model in Low-Income Economies
Authors: Abrego-Perez Adriana L. , Pacheco-Carvajal Natalia , Diaz-Jimenez Maria C.
Published: February 2023

This article presents a novel methodology to assess the financial risk to crops in highly weather-volatile regions. We use data-driven methodologies that use singular value decomposition techniques in a low-income economy. The risk measure is first derived by applying data-driven frameworks, a Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) to productive coffee crops in Colombia (163 weather stations) during 2010–2019. The objective is to understand the future implications that index insurance tools will have on strategic economic crops in the country. The first stage includes the identification of the PCA components at the country level. The risk measure, payouts-in-exceedance ratio, or POER, is derived from an analysis of the most volatile-weather-producing regions. It is obtained from a linear index insurance model applied to the extracted singular-decomposed tendencies through SSA on first-component data. The financial risk measure due to weather volatilities serves to predict the future implications of the payouts-in-exceedance in both seasons—wet and dry. The results show that the first PCA component contributes to forty percent of the total variance. The seasonal forecast analysis for the next 24 months shows increasing additional payouts (PO), especially during the wet season. This is caused by the increasing average precipitation tendency component with POERs of 18 and 60 percent in the first and second years. The findings provide important insights into designing agricultural hedging insurance instruments in low-income economies that are reliant on the export of strategic crops, as is the case of Colombian coffee.
Efficient Fractionation of Green Bamboo Using an Integrated Hydrothermal–Deep Eutectic Solvent Pretreatment for Its Valorization
Authors: Chang Longjun , Ye Ruya , Song Jialing , Xie Yinuo , Chen Qizhen , Yan Sien , Sun Kang , Gan Linhuo
Published: February 2023

Adopting an integrated strategy to realize efficient fractionation of lignocellulose into well-defined components for its valorization is challenging. Combinatorial pretreatments in this study decomposed hemicellulose of green bamboo during hydrothermal pretreatment (HP), and the hydrothermally pretreated bamboo was subsequently subjected to delignification using deep eutectic solvent (DES) consisting of choline chloride and lactic acid, finally facilitating enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose residue. Upon hydrothermal treatment at 180 °C for 35 min, hemicellulose removal of 88.6% was achieved with xylo-oligosaccharide yield and purity of 50.9% and 81.6%, respectively. After DES treatment at 140 °C for 2 h, lignin removal was determined to be 79.1%. Notably, the regenerated lignin with high purity of 96.8% displayed superior antioxidant activity, and the decrease in the ratio of syringyl units to guaiacyl units led to a slight decrease in radical scavenging activity of lignin after five recycling runs of DES. Moreover, the two-step treated residue had much higher enzymatic digestibility than that of single HP residue and untreated green bamboo. Results show that synergistic pretreatment is a promising strategy to tackle the recalcitrance of lignocellulose towards high value-added utilization.
Research on the Application Status of Machine Vision Technology in Furniture Manufacturing Process
Authors: Li Rongrong , Zhao Shuchang , Yang Bokai
Published: February 2023

Machine vision technology was integrated into the manufacturing workshop, to achieve an effective and high-quality production mode for furniture manufacturing. Machine vision can be used for information collecting, quality detecting, positioning, automatic sorting, intelligent monitoring, etc., which largely make up for the shortcomings of poor quality, low precision, low efficiency, and high labor intensity of manual operation. In this study, the method of systematic literature review was applied, and 128 relevant literatures in the field of machine vision application in manufacturing were retrieved and screened from 2011 to 2022. Statistical analysis was carried out on the extracted application directions and related technologies. The current status of machine vision technology’s implementation in furniture manufacturing was summarized. In view of the new demand of the rapid development of intelligent manufacturing, the challenges, faced by machine vision, were also summarized. To build a more intelligent, comprehensive, and effective manufacturing workshop for wooden products, cutting-edge technologies, such as deep learning and 3D point cloud, must be further integrated into machine vision. This study can efficiently assist the pertinent practitioners in furniture manufacturing in quickly grasping the pertinent technical principles and future development directions of machine vision, which would be benefit for accomplishing intelligent manufacturing.
Eye-Tracking Investigation of the Train Driver’s: A Case Study
Authors: Madlenak Radovan , Masek Jaroslav , Madlenakova Lucia , Chinoracky Roman
Published: February 2023

This article investigates the utilization of eye-tracking methodology to monitor the driver’s activities and attention during the arrival and departure procedures of train operations on Slovak Railway (ŽSR) line no. 120, Bratislava–Žilina. Previous studies conducted in 2020 formed the basis of the current research, which focused on two train stations and two railway stops located on the Žilina–Púchov track section. The results of the experiment allowed for a greater understanding of the driver’s cognitive processes, thereby leading to increased safety and sustainability in the railway transport system. It is noteworthy that the employed measurement methodology and technology had no detrimental effect on train operation, or operational and thus passenger safety. Thus, the results of this experiment provide a sound foundation for further exploration into human–machine (driver–train) interaction in actual traffic conditions.
Field Calibration of a Low-Cost Air Quality Monitoring Device in an Urban Background Site Using Machine Learning Models
Authors: Apostolopoulos Ioannis D. , Fouskas George , Pandis Spyros N.
Published: February 2023

Field calibration of low-cost air quality (AQ) monitoring sensors is essential for their successful operation. Low-cost sensors often exhibit non-linear responses to air pollutants and their signals may be affected by the presence of multiple compounds making their calibration challenging. We investigate different approaches for the field calibration of an AQ monitoring device named ENSENSIA, developed in the Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences in Greece. The present study focuses on the measurements of two of the most important pollutants measured by ENSENSIA: NO2 and O3. The measurement site is located in the center of Patras, the third biggest city in Greece. Reference instrumentation used for regulatory purposes by the Region of Western Greece was used as the evaluation standard. The sensors were installed for two years at the same locations. Measurements from the first year (2021) from seven ENSENSIA sensors (NO2, NO, O3, CO, PM2.5, temperature and relative humidity) were used to train several Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) algorithms. The resulting calibration algorithms were assessed using data from the second year (2022). The Random Forest algorithm exhibited the best performance in correcting O3 and NO2. For NO2 the mean error was reduced from 9.4 ppb to 3 ppb, whilst R2 improved from 0.22 to 0.86. Similar results were obtained for O3, wherein the mean error was reduced from 13 to 4.3 ppb and R2 increased from 0.52 to 0.69. The Long-Short Term Memory Network (LSTM) also showed good performance in correcting the measurements of the two pollutants.
Development of a New Analytical Method for the Characterization and Quantification of the Organic and Inorganic Carbonaceous Fractions in Snow Samples Using TOC and TOT Analysis
Authors: Borelli Mattia , Bergomi Andrea , Comite Valeria , Guglielmi Vittoria , Lombardi Chiara Andrea , Gilardoni Stefania , Di Mauro Biagio , Lasagni Marina , Fermo Paola
Published: February 2023

Different Light-Absorbing Snow Impurities (LASI) can deposit on snow- and ice-covered surfaces. These particles are able to decrease snow and ice albedo and trigger positive albedo feedback. The aim of this work was to develop a new method to quantify the carbonaceous fractions that are present in snow and ice samples that contribute significantly to their darkening. Currently, in the literature, there is an absence of a unified and accepted method to perform these studies. To set up the method proposed here, snow samples were collected at two Italian locations, Claviere and Val di Pejo (Northern Italy). The samples were analyzed using two main techniques, Total Organic Carbon analysis (TOC analysis) and Thermal Optical analysis in Transmittance mode (TOT), which enabled the speciation of the carbonaceous fraction into organic (OC), inorganic (IC), and elemental carbon (EC), and further into the soluble and insoluble parts. The results highlighted a correlation between the nature of the sample (i.e., location, age, and exposure of the snow) and the experimental results, giving validity to the method. For example, the abundant presence of terrigenous constituents was reflected in high amounts of insoluble IC. Moreover, due to the trend between insoluble IC and Elemental Carbon (EC), the role of IC in TOT analysis was investigated. Indeed, IC turned out to be an interfering agent, suggesting that the two techniques (TOC analysis and TOT) are complementary and therefore need to be used in parallel when performing these studies. Finally, the results obtained indicate that the newly proposed method is suitable for studying the carbonaceous fractions in snow samples.
LBM-MHD Data-Driven Approach to Predict Rayleigh–Bénard Convective Heat Transfer by Levenberg–Marquardt Algorithm
Authors: Himika Taasnim Ahmed , Hasan Md Farhad , Molla Md. Mamun , Khan Md Amirul Islam
Published: February 2023

This study aims to consider lattice Boltzmann method (LBM)–magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) data to develop equations to predict the average rate of heat transfer quantitatively. The present approach considers a 2D rectangular cavity with adiabatic side walls, and the bottom wall is heated while the top wall is kept cold. Rayleigh–Bénard (RB) convection was considered a heat-transfer phenomenon within the cavity. The Hartmann (Ha) number, by varying the inclination angle (θ), was considered in developing the equations by considering the input parameters, namely, the Rayleigh (Ra) numbers, Darcy (Da) numbers, and porosity (ϵ) of the cavity in different segments. Each segment considers a data-driven approach to calibrate the Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) algorithm, which is highly linked with the artificial neural network (ANN) machine learning method. Separate validations have been conducted in corresponding sections to showcase the accuracy of the equations. Overall, coefficients of determination (R2) were found to be within 0.85 to 0.99. The significant findings of this study present mathematical equations to predict the average Nusselt number (Nu¯). The equations can be used to quantitatively predict the heat transfer without directly simulating LBM. In other words, the equations can be considered validations methods for any LBM-MHD model, which considers RB convection within the range of the parameters in each equation.
High-Performance PCR for Alleles Discrimination of Chromo-Helicase-DNA Binding Protein (CHD1) Gene in Bird Sexing
Authors: Tagliavia Marcello , Catania Valentina , Dell’Omo Giacomo , Massa Bruno
Published: February 2023

Genetic analyses aiming at assessing the presence of specific sequences or alleles are often carried out by PCR. Sexing of most birds is nowadays based on PCR with “universal” primers and relies on the assessment of the presence of the sex-linked CHD1-Z and -W alleles. The entire workflow is relatively time-consuming, especially for batch analyses, whereas methods that allow carrying out the entire procedure in a short time are highly desirable. The only method for outdoor analyses reported so far relies on LAMP; however; it fails to work properly in Procellariiformes. Besides improving the LAMP test; we have developed a PCR-based DNA amplification procedure (named high-performance PCR); whose unique features allow it to outperform standard PCR; making possible the direct, in-tube visual reading of results. We tested it with specifically designed Procellariiformes-targeted primer sets for rapid sexing of the birds using fluorimetric detection. The protocol, combined with rapid DNA extraction, allows for fast reading of results without electrophoresis within less than 1 h from sampling. The technique could be extended to other species, as well as to many other applications.
Temozolomide, Simvastatin and Acetylshikonin Combination Induces Mitochondrial-Dependent Apoptosis in GBM Cells, Which Is Regulated by Autophagy
Authors: Hajiahmadi Sima , Lorzadeh Shahrokh , Iranpour Rosa , Karima Saeed , Rajabibazl Masoumeh , Shahsavari Zahra , Ghavami Saeid
Published: February 2023

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the deadliest cancers. Temozolomide (TMZ) is the most common chemotherapy used for GBM patients. Recently, combination chemotherapy strategies have had more effective antitumor effects and focus on slowing down the development of chemotherapy resistance. A combination of TMZ and cholesterol-lowering medications (statins) is currently under investigation in in vivo and clinical trials. In our current investigation, we have used a triple-combination therapy of TMZ, Simvastatin (Simva), and acetylshikonin, and investigated its apoptotic mechanism in GBM cell lines (U87 and U251). We used viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), caspase-3/-7, acridine orange (AO) and immunoblotting autophagy assays. Our results showed that a TMZ/Simva/ASH combination therapy induced significantly more apoptosis compared to TMZ, Simva, ASH, and TMZ/Simva treatments in GBM cells. Apoptosis via TMZ/Simva/ASH treatment induced mitochondrial damage (increase of ROS, decrease of MMP) and caspase-3/7 activation in both GBM cell lines. Compared to all single treatments and the TMZ/Simva treatment, TMZ/Simva/ASH significantly increased positive acidic vacuole organelles. We further confirmed that the increase of AVOs during the TMZ/Simva/ASH treatment was due to the partial inhibition of autophagy flux (accumulation of LC3β-II and a decrease in p62 degradation) in GBM cells. Our investigation also showed that TMZ/Simva/ASH-induced cell death was depended on autophagy flux, as further inhibition of autophagy flux increased TMZ/Simva/ASH-induced cell death in GBM cells. Finally, our results showed that TMZ/Simva/ASH treatment potentially depends on an increase of Bax expression in GBM cells. Our current investigation might open new avenues for a more effective treatment of GBM, but further investigations are required for a better identification of the mechanisms.
Dual-Domain Reporter Approach for Multiplex Identification of Major SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern in a Microarray-Based Assay
Authors: Damin Francesco , Galbiati Silvia , Clementi Nicola , Ferrarese Roberto , Mancini Nicasio , Sola Laura , Chiari Marcella
Published: February 2023

Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in December 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to evolve into many variants emerging around the world. To enable regular surveillance and timely adjustments in public health interventions, it is of the utmost importance to accurately monitor and track the distribution of variants as rapidly as possible. Genome sequencing is the gold standard for monitoring the evolution of the virus, but it is not cost-effective, rapid and easily accessible. We have developed a microarray-based assay that can distinguish known viral variants present in clinical samples by simultaneously detecting mutations in the Spike protein gene. In this method, the viral nucleic acid, extracted from nasopharyngeal swabs, after RT-PCR, hybridizes in solution with specific dual-domain oligonucleotide reporters. The domains complementary to the Spike protein gene sequence encompassing the mutation form hybrids in solution that are directed by the second domain (“barcode” domain) at specific locations on coated silicon chips. The method utilizes characteristic fluorescence signatures to unequivocally differentiate, in a single assay, different known SARS-CoV-2 variants. In the nasopharyngeal swabs of patients, this multiplex system was able to genotype the variants which have caused waves of infections worldwide, reported by the WHO as being of concern (VOCs), namely Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron variants.
Constrain Bias Addition to Train Low-Latency Spiking Neural Networks
Authors: Lin Ranxi , Dai Benzhe , Zhao Yingkai , Chen Gang , Lu Huaxiang
Published: February 2023

In recent years, a third-generation neural network, namely, spiking neural network, has received plethora of attention in the broad areas of Machine learning and Artificial Intelligence. In this paper, a novel differential-based encoding method is proposed and new spike-based learning rules for backpropagation is derived by constraining the addition of bias voltage in spiking neurons. The proposed differential encoding method can effectively exploit the correlation between the data and improve the performance of the proposed model, and the new learning rule can take complete advantage of the modulation properties of bias on the spike firing threshold. We experiment with the proposed model on the environmental sound dataset RWCP and the image dataset MNIST and Fashion-MNIST, respectively, and assign various conditions to test the learning ability and robustness of the proposed model. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model achieves near-optimal results with a smaller time step by maintaining the highest accuracy and robustness with less training data. Among them, in MNIST dataset, compared with the original spiking neural network with the same network structure, we achieved a 0.39% accuracy improvement.
Impact of Physical Exercise Alone or in Combination with Cognitive Remediation on Cognitive Functions in People with Schizophrenia: A Qualitative Critical Review
Authors: Deste Giacomo , Corbo Daniele , Nibbio Gabriele , Italia Mauro , Dell'Ovo Dario , Calzavara-Pinton Irene , Lisoni Jacopo , Barlati Stefano , Gasparotti Roberto , Vita Antonio
Published: February 2023

Physical exercise and cognitive remediation represent the psychosocial interventions with the largest basis of evidence attesting their effectiveness in improving cognitive performance in people living with schizophrenia according to recent international guidance. The aims of this review are to provide an overview of the literature on physical exercise as a treatment for cognitive impairment in schizophrenia and of the studies that have combined physical exercise and cognitive remediation as an integrated rehabilitation intervention. Nine meta-analyses and systematic reviews on physical exercise alone and seven studies on interventions combining physical exercise and cognitive remediation are discussed. The efficacy of physical exercise in improving cognitive performance in people living with schizophrenia is well documented, but more research focused on identifying moderators of participants response and optimal modalities of delivery is required. Studies investigating the effectiveness of integrated interventions report that combining physical exercise and cognitive remediation provides superior benefits and quicker improvements compared to cognitive remediation alone, but most studies included small samples and did not explore long-term effects. While physical exercise and its combination with cognitive remediation appear to represent effective treatments for cognitive impairment in people living with schizophrenia, more evidence is currently needed to better understand how to implement these treatments in psychiatric rehabilitation practice.
Responsive Neurostimulation of the Anterior Thalamic Nuclei in Refractory Genetic Generalized Epilepsy: A Case Series
Authors: O’Donnell Carly M. , Swanson Sara J. , Carlson Chad E. , Raghavan Manoj , Pahapill Peter A. , Anderson Christopher Todd
Published: February 2023

Genetic generalized epilepsies (GGEs) are thought to represent disorders of thalamocortical networks. There are currently no well-established non-pharmacologic treatment options for patients with drug-resistant GGE. NeuroPace’s Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS) System was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to treat focal seizures with up to two ictal foci. We report on three adults with drug-resistant GGE who were treated with thalamic RNS. Given the severity of their epilepsies and the potential ictogenic role of the thalamus in the pathophysiology of GGE, the RNS System was palliatively implanted with leads in the bilateral anterior thalamic nuclei (ANT) of these patients. The ANT was selected because it was demonstrated to be a safe target. We retrospectively evaluated metrics including seizure frequency over 18–32 months. One patient required explantation due to infection. The other two patients were clinical responders. By the end of the observation period reported here, one patient was seizure-free for over 9 months. All three self-reported an improved quality of life. The clinical response observed in these patients provides ‘proof-of-principle’ that GGE may be treatable with responsive thalamic stimulation. Our results support proceeding to a larger study investigating the efficacy and safety of thalamic RNS in drug-resistant GGE.
Psychological Factors Explaining the COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Mental Health: The Role of Meaning, Beliefs, and Perceptions of Vulnerability and Mortality
Authors: Negri Attà , Conte Federica , Caldiroli Cristina L. , Neimeyer Robert A. , Castiglioni Marco
Published: February 2023

This study tested an expanded version of the explanatory model of the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health proposed by Milman and colleagues. Participants (N = 680) completed an online survey on demographic variables associated with poor pandemic mental health, COVID-19 stressors, mental health symptoms, and pandemic-related psychological processes we hypothesized as mediating mechanisms explaining the negative mental health effects of the COVID-19 stressors. Results indicated that these psychological processes (core belief violation, meaning made of the pandemic, vulnerability, and mortality perception) explained the severity of mental health symptoms to a far greater extent than COVID-19 stressors and demographics combined. In addition, these psychological processes mediated the impact of COVID-19 stressors on all mental health outcomes. Specifically, COVID-19 stressors were associated with increased core belief violation, decreased meaning making, and more intense perceived vulnerability and mortality. In turn, those whose core beliefs were more violated by the pandemic, who made less meaning of the pandemic, and who perceived a more pronounced vulnerability and mortality experienced a worse mental health condition. This study’s results suggest some possible ways of intervention in pandemic-like events useful for limiting such impact at the individual, group, social and political levels.
Boosting Student’s Motivation through Gamification in Physical Education
Authors: Sotos-Martínez Víctor Javier , Tortosa-Martínez Juan , Baena-Morales Salvador , Ferriz-Valero Alberto
Published: February 2023

Students are becoming less motivated towards current education. For this reason, teachers are investigating several innovative methodologies to learn how they affect student motivation, such as gamification. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of gamification on the motivation of elementary physical education students. A total of 72 elementary school students from two different Spanish elementary schools participated (38 boys and 34 girls), separated into a gamified group (n = 35) and a control group (n = 37). Ten gamification sessions were performed using a technological app called ClassDojo. The gamified proposal was based on both a PBL model and an MDA model. A questionnaire, “Motivation Questionnaire in Physical Education” (CMEF-EP) was used to measure the motivation of the students before and after the intervention. An increase was observed in all the variables for the gamified group: intrinsic motivation (p < 0.001), identified regulation (p < 0.001), introjected regulation (p = 0.001), and external regulation (p = 0.002), except for the amotivation (p = 0.120). No changes were observed in the control group. A significant interaction effect over time was seen only for intrinsic motivation for the gamified group versus the control group (F(1) = 5.263; p = 0.025; η2 = 0.070). The results show the efficacy of gamification to increase the motivation of elementary physical education students. However, it does not decrease amotivation. This will enable the subject to contribute to achieving the United Nations’ proposed Sustainable Development Goal 4, which is to ‘Improve Quality Education’.
Subject Specific Mastery Motivation in Moldovan Middle School Students
Authors: Calchei Marcela , Oo Tun Zaw , Józsa Krisztián
Published: February 2023

Given the crucial role of mastery motivation in the cognitive development of children, the present study investigates subject-specific mastery motivation in the multilingual educational system of the Republic of Moldova. We applied cross-sectional data from fifth, seventh, and ninth graders studying either in the Romanian (n = 583) or Russian (n = 353) language using the Subject Specific Mastery Motivation Questionnaire (SSMMQ). To ensure the validity of the comparison of latent mean differences, the Romanian and Russian versions of SSMMQ were validated and measurement invariance of the constructs across language, grade, and gender was assessed. The full scalar invariance across grades and gender and the partial scalar invariance across language held. Thus, a comparison of latent mean differences across these three groups is plausible. The findings proved that there was no difference between the Romanian and Russian samples, but we found girls self-rated themselves significantly higher than boys in the Reading, Art, and Music mastery motivation scales. Results with respect to the comparison of latent mean differences between the grade levels demonstrated that the Reading mastery motivation of the Moldovan students stayed stable from fifth to ninth grades, whereas Art had a constant declining path.
Flexible Work Arrangements and Employees’ Knowledge Sharing in Post-Pandemic Era: The Roles of Workplace Loneliness and Task Interdependence
Authors: Cheng Jin , Sun Xin , Zhong Yana , Li Kunlin
Published: February 2023

Flexible work arrangements (FWAs) have become prevalent working norms in the post-pandemic era, but are they beneficial to employees’ work? From the theoretical perspective of social exchange, previous studies have viewed FWAs as supportive practices that facilitate employees’ functional intrapersonal outcomes. However, little is known about the interpersonal effects of FWAs. Based on the affective events theory, this study aims to elucidate why and when FWAs are associated with employees’ knowledge sharing. A web-based survey of 314 respondents (Study 1) and a three-wave field research study of 343 employees (Study 2) provided valid questionnaires to examine the hypothesized theoretical relationships. Our findings reveal that employees who frequently adopt FWAs would produce a persistently negative affective experience—workplace loneliness—further discouraging their intentions to share knowledge with coworkers. The specific work-characteristic conditions in this relationship–task interdependence would mitigate the dysfunctional effect of FWAs on employees’ knowledge sharing via workplace loneliness. Our study advances the understanding of FWAs’ dysfunctional impacts on employees’ knowledge sharing from the theoretical perspective of affective reactions. Our findings remind managers to avoid the interpersonal pitfalls of FWAs by increasing task interdependence among employees.
An Investigation of Frame-Core Tube Building Construction Sites on Safety Evacuation
Authors: Yang Yang , Li Long , Yao Gang
Published: February 2023

FTBCS safety evacuation of frame-core tube buildings on construction sites (FTBCS) is one of the most challenging evacuation scenarios conceivable. This investigation proposes a practical calculation method and examines the parameters’ influence on safety evacuation in frame-core tube building construction sites. Firstly, the characteristics of constructors from 30 FTBCS in China are analyzed. After an investigation of 23,230 constructors, it was found that constructors have unique properties in gender ratio, age composition, and occupational age. Female constructors account for about 10%, and aged constructors account for 0.28%. Constructors within five years of occupational age account for about 26.39%. Evacuation speeds on different working faces including frames and core tubes are tested, and the decline coefficients of 0.80 and 0.70 are taken consideration into the evacuation model. Then, an exclusive evacuation time algorithm that is appropriate for FTBCS is proposed. Multiple parameters’ influence on safety evacuation is researched by numerical simulation. With a 5.0% growth of female gender ratio, aged constructors, and constructors within five years of occupational age, the average movement distance is increased by 10.32 m, 0.67 m, and 11.19 m, respectively. The age composition ratio and occupational age ratio mainly affect the evacuation process by evacuation speed and path programming, respectively, and the leading influencing factors are not distinct in their gender ratio effects. Optimization of construction layout can reduce the evacuation time from the horizontal direction plane effectively, and then relieve clustering and crowding on platforms.
Evaluation of the Ultimate Collapse Load of a High-Voltage Transmission Tower under Excessive Wind Loads
Authors: Vettoretto Giacomo , Li Zongchen , Affolter Christian
Published: February 2023

Several high-voltage transmission towers failed under excessive wind loads in a mountainous and exposed area. This study discusses the efficient and reliable modeling of lattice towers dominantly loaded by wind, a scenario which led to a collapse cascade in a high-voltage transmission line. The ultimate load-bearing capacity had to be estimated and the failure positions identified. Finite Element Analysis was employed through static analyses, Linear Buckling Analyses (LBA) and RIKS analyses (Arc-Length method) in Abaqus 2021. With the purpose of improving the accuracy in the simulation of structural instabilities of complex lattice structures, the model sensitivity to superimposed geometrical imperfections and the joint stiffness of the truss connections were investigated in brace and lattice structure sub-assemblies. Afterwards, linear analyses and non-linear analyses with imperfections were performed on the single tower model. The analysis proved that solely excessive wind can cause such failure on the lattice structures, and the critical structural elements have been correctly identified. The investigation proved that the towers had not been under-designed with respect to the standards valid at the time of erection. However, they were not designed for this exceptional storm event, and evidence was provided that wind alone could bring about the collapse. It is nevertheless not recommended to increase the safety factors in general for the design of such structures, but to base the assumed loading on actual and local wind and service load measurements.
The Perception of Urban Regeneration by Stakeholders: A Case Study of the Student Village Design Project in Korea
Authors: Kim Joo Young , Kim Jung Hoon , Seo Kyung Wook
Published: February 2023

Urban regeneration by participatory methods is being discussed in many parts of the world, but conflicts between stakeholders emerge as a major challenge. In order to address this problem, a new approach to urban regeneration has been attempted in Korea. By targeting towns with university campuses, this project encourages active participation from university students as well as local residents. As a result of COVID-19 restrictions, the project adopted an online-based communication strategy. First, the online data was collected; second, the data for each participant was classified through data refinement; and third, the data analysis and data visualization were carried out at each stage using program R. The results revealed that the stakeholders exhibited different perceptions about the process, indicating a potential benefit of distinct role division for the success of the multiparty project. The significance of this study lies in the fact that it analyzes participants’ perceptions of urban regeneration using a text-mining process. The results of the study can serve as the basis for minimizing conflict and planning effective urban regeneration.
Reply to Lissing et al. Comment on “Ramai et al. Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Porphyria: A Systematic Review. Cancers 2022, 14, 2947”
Authors: Ramai Daryl , Deliwala Smit S. , Chandan Saurabh , Lester Janice , Singh Jameel , Samanta Jayanta , di Nunzio Sara , Perversi Fabio , Cappellini Francesca , Shah Aashni , Ghidini Michele , Sacco Rodolfo , Facciorusso Antonio , Giacomelli Luca
Published: February 2023

We thank Dr. Lissing and colleagues for providing us with these helpful comments [...]
A Simple, Test-Based Method to Control the Overestimation Bias in the Analysis of Potential Prognostic Tumour Markers
Authors: Ognibene Marzia , Pezzolo Annalisa , Cavanna Roberto , Cangelosi Davide , Sorrentino Stefania , Parodi Stefano
Published: February 2023

The early evaluation of prognostic tumour markers is commonly performed by comparing the survival of two groups of patients identified on the basis of a cut-off value. The corresponding hazard ratio (HR) is usually estimated, representing a measure of the relative risk between patients with marker values above and below the cut-off. A posteriori methods identifying an optimal cut-off are appropriate when the functional form of the relation between the marker distribution and patient survival is unknown, but they are prone to an overestimation bias. In the presence of a small sample size, which is typical of rare diseases, the external validation sets are hardly available and internal cross-validation could be unfeasible. We describe a new method to obtain an unbiased estimate of the HR at an optimal cut-off, exploiting the simple relation between the HR and the associated p-value estimated by a random permutation analysis. We validate the method on both simulated data and set of gene expression profiles from two large, publicly available data sets. Furthermore, a reanalysis of a previously published study, which included 134 Stage 4S neuroblastoma patients, allowed for the identification of E2F1 as a new gene with potential oncogenic activity. This finding was confirmed by an immunofluorescence analysis on an independent cohort.
Modulating T Cell Responses by Targeting CD3
Authors: Menon Ashwathi Puravankara , Moreno Beatriz , Meraviglia-Crivelli Daniel , Nonatelli Francesca , Villanueva Helena , Barainka Martin , Zheleva Angelina , van Santen Hisse M. , Pastor Fernando
Published: February 2023

Harnessing the immune system to fight cancer has become a reality with the clinical success of immune-checkpoint blockade (ICB) antibodies against PD(L)-1 and CTLA-4. However, not all cancer patients respond to ICB. Thus, there is a need to modulate the immune system through alternative strategies for improving clinical responses to ICB. The CD3-T cell receptor (TCR) is the canonical receptor complex on T cells. It provides the “first signal” that initiates T cell activation and determines the specificity of the immune response. The TCR confers the binding specificity whilst the CD3 subunits facilitate signal transduction necessary for T cell activation. While the mechanisms through which antigen sensing and signal transduction occur in the CD3–TCR complex are still under debate, recent revelations regarding the intricate 3D structure of the CD3–TCR complex might open the possibility of modulating its activity by designing targeted drugs and tools, including aptamers. In this review, we summarize the basis of CD3–TCR complex assembly and survey the clinical and preclinical therapeutic tools available to modulate CD3–TCR function for potentiating cancer immunotherapy.
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy versus Surgery for Lung Metastases from Colorectal Cancer: Single-Institution Results
Authors: Garcia-Exposito Nagore , Ramos Ricard , Navarro-Perez Valentin , Molina Kevin , Arnaiz Maria Dolores , Padrones Susana , Ruffinelli Jose Carlos , Santos Cristina , Guedea Ferran , Navarro-Martin Arturo
Published: February 2023

Background: Surgery and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) are two of the options available as local treatments for pulmonary oligometastases from colorectal cancer (CRC). We hypothesized that SBRT would have, at least, a similar local control rate to surgery. Methods: We identified an initial cohort of 100 patients with CRC who received SBRT or surgery for lung metastases. This was then narrowed down to 75 patients: those who underwent surgery (n = 50) or SBRT (n = 25) as their first local thoracic treatment between 1 January 2004 and 29 December 2017. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate lung-progression-free survival (L-PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: The 1 and 2-year L-PFS was 85% and 70% in the surgical group and 87% and 71% in the SBRT group, respectively (p = 0.809). No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of OS. The biologically effective dose (BED), age and initial CRC stage did not have a significant effect on local control or survival. No grade 3 or above acute- or late-toxicity events were reported. Conclusions: These results add retrospective evidence that SBRT and surgery have similar results in terms of OS and local control in patients with lung oligometastases from CRC.
The Role of Peritumoral Depapillation and Its Impact on Narrow-Band Imaging in Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Iandelli Andrea , Sampieri Claudio , Marchi Filippo , Pennacchi Alessia , Carobbio Andrea Luigi Camillo , Lovino Camerino Paola , Filauro Marta , Parrinello Giampiero , Peretti Giorgio
Published: February 2023

A recent study reported that the occurrence of depapillated mucosa surrounding oral tongue squamous cell carcinomas (OTSCC) is associated with perineural invasion (PNI). The present study evaluates the reliability of depapillation as a PNI predictor and how it could affect narrow-band imaging (NBI) performance. This is thus a retrospective study on patients affected by OTSCC submitted to radical surgery. The preoperative endoscopy was evaluated to identify the presence of depapillation. Differences in distribution between depapillation and clinicopathological variables were analyzed. NBI vascular patterns were reported, and the impact of depapillation on those was studied. We enrolled seventy-six patients. After evaluation of the preoperative endoscopies, 40 (53%) patients had peritumoral depapillation, while 59 (78%) had a positive NBI pattern. Depapillation was strongly correlated to PNI, 54% vs. 28% (p = 0.022). Regarding the NBI pattern, there was no particular association with depapillation-associated tumors. The presence of depapillation did not affect the intralesional pattern detected by the NBI, while no NBI-positive pattern was found in the depapillation area. Finally, the NBI-guided resection margins were not affected by depapillation. Peritumoral depapillation is a reliable feature for PNI in OTSCC. NBI margin detection is not impaired by depapillation.
Do Teachers Question the Reality of Pain in Their Students? A Survey Using the Concept of Pain Inventory-Proxy (COPI-Proxy)
Authors: Fechner Rebecca , Noel Melanie , Verhagen Arianne , Turbitt Erin , Pate Joshua W.
Published: February 2023

An assessment of a teacher’s concept of their student’s pain could be useful to guide preventative and targeted school-based pain science education. We aimed to assess a teacher’s own concept of pain against their concept of their student’s pain and examine the psychometric properties of the tool. Teachers of 10–12-year-old children were invited to participate in an online survey via social media. We modified the Concept of Pain Inventory (COPI) by inserting a vignette (COPI-Proxy), and we included questions to explore teacher stigma. Overall, a sample of 233 teachers participated in the survey. The COPI-Proxy scores showed that teachers can conceptualize their student’s pain separately but are influenced by their own beliefs. Only 76% affirmed the pain in the vignette as real. Teachers used potentially stigmatizing language to describe pain in their survey responses. The COPI-Proxy had acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.72) and moderate convergent validity with the COPI (r = 0.56). The results show the potential benefit of the COPI-Proxy for assessing someone’s concept of another’s pain, particularly for teachers who are important social influencers of children.
Efficacy of Plantar Orthoses in Paediatric Flexible Flatfoot: A Five-Year Systematic Review
Authors: Molina-García Cristina , Banwell George , Rodríguez-Blanque Raquel , Sánchez-García Juan Carlos , Reinoso-Cobo Andrés , Cortés-Martín Jonathan , Ramos-Petersen Laura
Published: February 2023

Paediatric flexible flatfoot (PFF) is a very common condition and a common concern among parents and various healthcare professionals. There is a multitude of conservative and surgical treatments, with foot orthoses (FO) being the first line of treatment due to their lack of contraindications and because the active participation of the child is not required, although the evidence supporting them is weak. It is not clear what the effect of FO is, nor when it is advisable to recommend them. PFF, if left untreated or uncorrected, could eventually cause problems in the foot itself or adjacent structures. It was necessary to update the existing information on the efficacy of FO as a conservative treatment for the reduction in signs and symptoms in patients with PFF, to know the best type of FO and the minimum time of use and to identify the diagnostic techniques most commonly used for PFF and the definition of PFF. A systematic review was carried out in the databases PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, Cochrane, SCOPUS and PEDro using the following strategy: randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) on child patients with PFF, compared to those treated with FO or not being treated, assessing the improvement of signs and symptoms of PFF. Studies in which subjects had neurological or systemic disease or had undergone surgery were excluded. Two of the authors independently assessed study quality. PRISMA guidelines were followed, and the systematic review was registered in PROSPERO: CRD42021240163. Of the 237 initial studies considered, 7 RCTs and CCTs published between 2017 and 2022 met the inclusion criteria, representing 679 participants with PFF aged 3–14 years. The interventions of the included studies differed in diagnostic criteria, types of FO and duration of treatment, among others. All articles conclude that FO are beneficial, although the results must be taken with caution due to the risk of bias of the included articles. There is evidence for the efficacy of FO as a treatment for PFF signs and symptoms. There is no treatment algorithm. There is no clear definition for PFF. There is no ideal type of FO, although all have in common the incorporation of a large internal longitudinal arch.
An Overview of Corneal Transplantation in the Past Decade
Authors: Musa Mutali , Zeppieri Marco , Enaholo Ehimare S. , Chukwuyem Ekele , Salati Carlo
Published: February 2023

The cornea is a transparent avascular structure located in the front of the eye that refracts light entering the eyes and also serves as a barrier between the outside world and the internal contents of the eye. Like every other body part, the cornea may suffer insult from trauma, infection, and inflammation. In the case of trauma, a prior infection that left a scar, or conditions such as keratoconus that warrant the removal of all or part of the cornea (keratoplasty), it is important to use healthy donor corneal tissues and cells that can replace the damaged cornea. The types of cornea transplant techniques employed currently include: penetrating keratoplasty, endothelial keratoplasty (EK), and artificial cornea transplant. Postoperative failure acutely or after years can result after a cornea transplant and may require a repeat transplant. This minireview briefly examines the various types of corneal transplant methodologies, indications, contraindications, presurgical protocols, sources of cornea transplant material, wound healing after surgery complications, co-morbidities, and the effect of COVID-19 in corneal transplant surgery.