bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ECOLIMBAH : Cross-Ecosystem Pollution Reduction through Creative Craft Business with Commercial Value
Authors: Rahmaningtyas Wisudani , Widhiastuti Ratieh , Pramusinto Hengky , Purasani Hana Netti , Ramadhani5 Putri Della
Published: August 2023

This community service program aims to provide knowledge and skills to the community on how to manage and process household waste, especially plastic, into valuable and marketable products. The methods for implementing community service activities included lectures, practical exercises, and guidance. The evaluation used in the community service activities involved the utilization of questionnaires and their subsequent qualitative descriptive analysis. The outcome of the community service activities was an increase in knowledge about waste bank management and skills in utilizing plastic waste to create woven plastic bags for water bottle holders. In conclusion, community service has proven to be a highly effective endeavor, providing valuable knowledge and skills to the partners while promoting environmental awareness and sustainability through plastic crochet.
Responding to the Forced Pivot of Higher Education Planners and Practitioners Serving Students in the Aftermath of COVID-19
Authors: Barnes Caroline , Kenon Vanessa Hammler , Lagrimanta Madison , Mar-Trevino Adrian , Moore Alaysia
Published: August 2023

This research provides valuable insights into the impact of COVID-19 on the education system, the need for adaptation, and the importance of various aspects such as experiential learning, emotional well being, mental health, workplace and online education. It offers recommendations and considerations for policymakers and practitioners in higher education to navigate the post-pandemic world successfully.
Updated analysis of surface warming trends in North China based on in-depth homogenized data (1951-2020)
Authors: He J , Ren G , Zhang P , Zheng X , Zhang S
Published: August 2023

The reliability of climate change detection and research is significantly impacted by the inhomogeneity of surface climate observation data. However, there is an ongoing debate regarding whether comprehensive homogenization has been performed in large-scale homogenized data sets. In this study, we examined the homogeneity of the original maximum and minimum temperature (Tmax and Tmin) data for 662 meteorological stations in North China by using multiple methods and combining with metadata. The quantile matching method was employed to adjust the daily Tmax and Tmin series. In order to avoid the potential systematic bias resulting from homogenization, no reference series were introduced during the adjustment process. The adjustment results indicate that Tmin in North China is significantly affected by non-climatic factors, particularly station relocations and environmental changes around the stations. The application of homogenization in this study led to a notable increase in the overall temperature trends of the stations, with Tmin exhibiting a larger increase and the diurnal temperature range demonstrating a more significant downward trend. Based on the homogenized data, the annual and seasonal mean temperature trends in North China from 1951 to 2020 were re-evaluated. These temperature trends generally surpass those reported in previous research for the same period from 1961 to 2000. The higher estimate of temperature trends may be attributed to the recovered urbanization effect in the newly homogenized data. Thus, the obtained homogenization data still exhibit a significant urbanization bias that requires further assessment and adjustment.
Spatial-temporal characteristics of tornadoes in China based on observational data of meteorological stations
Authors: Xue X , Ren G , Xu X , Zhang S
Published: August 2023

Tornadoes are the most destructive meso-small-scale strong convective weather on Earth. At present, however, the temporal change of tornadoes in a subcontinental region like mainland China is still controversial. Here, we report an analysis of the spatial-temporal pattern and long-term trend of tornadoes in mainland China from 1961 to 2013 based on a dataset of the national meteorological observational network. In total, 1082 tornado days were recorded by the national meteorological stations from 1961 to 2013, with an average occurrence frequency of 20.42 d yr-1. Three high-frequency centers are concentrated in South China, East China, and Northeast China. Tornadoes mainly occur in the summer season, mostly in July and August. The annual mean tornado days in mainland China during 1961-1969 reached 43.89 d yr-1, but the period 2010-2013 saw no tornadoes based on station records. There was a highly significant decreasing trend in annual total tornado days during 1961-2013, with a rate of -10.00 d per decade. The decreasing trend in summer was the most significant. We found that the decadal decrease in several atmospheric variables, including convective available potential energy, 0-6 km vertical shear, and low-troposphere relative humidity, is closely associated with the substantial decrease in the number of tornado days.
Characteristics of ocelot populations in Tamaulipas, Mexico, using capture-recapture techniques
Authors: Sternberg MA , Schmidt GM , Carrera-Treviño R , Ocañas-García OA , Illescas-Martínez F , deMaar T , Peña LJ
Published: August 2023

Although the ocelot Leopardus pardalis is listed as endangered in the USA and Mexico, research on the characteristics of ocelot populations in northeastern Mexico has been limited. Effective conservation strategies in this binational region can benefit from additional information on the distribution and status of these populations. We estimated ocelot abundance and density using capture-recapture data from remote cameras at 2 locations in Tamaulipas: 1 inland site near the Sierra Tamaulipas and 1 coastal site along the Laguna Madre. The inland site was sampled in 2013 with 32 camera stations, and estimated densities (mean ± SE ocelots per 100 km2) using non-spatial and spatial modeling approaches were 17.57 ± 1.10 and 28.19 ± 6.81, respectively. The coastal site was sampled in 2017 with 16 camera stations, and estimated densities using non-spatial and spatial modeling approaches were 59.03 ± 2.32 and 43.24 ± 7.24, respectively. These are the first published ocelot densities for these locations, and these sites represent the closest known populations to those in Texas, USA. The ocelot populations surveyed appear to be robust, with estimated abundances similar to or greater than other areas surveyed within the state of Tamaulipas. Future work should monitor the long-term status and connectivity of these and other nearby populations to inform management actions to ensure their continued existence, as well as to assess whether they could serve as suitable sources for the translocation of individuals into existing populations in need of genetic rescue in Texas.
A pain in the neck
Authors:   , Bergmann Wilhelmina
Published: August 2023

Cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy (CVM) is a well-known syndrome in horses in which compression of the spinal cord and nerves in the neck leads to nervous signs. In warmblood horses, osteoarthrosis of the articular process joints is the most common underlying pathology resulting in CVM. The cause for the osteoarthrosis is unknown.
In this thesis, first the possible role of osteochondrosis, a defect in the development of bone, in the development of articular process joint arthrosis is explored. Non-clinical osteochondrosis was found to be common, however without preference for the predilection site of osteoarthrosis. Therefore osteochondrosis does not seem a likely main cause. Yet, a significant variation in the shape of the articular surfaces of the process joints was seen and some of these shapes were correlated with the presence of osteochondrosis.
Next, the possible role of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) in the development of articular process joint osteoarthrosis was explored, because a correlation between the two is seen in dogs and people. Equine IVDD has been considered clinically insignificant even though research confirming this has not been published. In contrast to literature, we found that the intervertebral disc of horses does have a nucleus pulposus and that IVDD is common with a predilection site concurrent with that of osteoarthrosis. Biochemical changes, important for biomechanical characteristics, associated with equine IVDD differed from those in dogs and people. However, the changes that were found, have in human discs and in equine tendons been associated with stiffness, loss of strength and brittleness. It is likely that these biomechanical changes are also present in the degenerated equine intervertebral disc. This could lead to changes in loading of the articular process joints and therefore it is possible that equine IVDD can lead to articular process joint osteoarthrosis and CVM .
THE IMPORTANCE OF SIGNALLING ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION AND RELATIONSHIP LENDING FOR SMES’ BANK CREDIT ACCESS
Authors: Mehmet Civelek
Published: August 2023

Although SMEs matter for the development of economies, they need financing that is the main impediment to their survival. To overcome this barrier, SMEs might reduce information asymmetries between them and banks by signaling their entrepreneurial activities that are based on Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) and by having frequent contact with banks in a lending relationship. In this regard, this paper purposes to find out the impacts of signaling EO and relationship lending on bank credit access of SMEs. To fulfill this aim, the researcher has applied stratified random and purposive sampling methods to create the research sample from SMEs that operate in various geographical regions of Turkey. The researcher also employs a self-administered internet-mediated questionnaire to collect data from 479 SMEs. Moreover, this paper runs Binary Logistic Regression Test to analyze the impacts of signaling EO and lending relationship on bank credit access. According to the results, trademark ownership, R&D subsidies received by SMEs and closeness of communication between SMEs and banks positively affect bank credit access of SMEs. On the other hand, patent ownership, R&D investments and alliances of SMEs with prominent firms do not influence their credit access.
FINANCIAL INCLUSION OF HOUSEHOLDS IN INDONESIA
Authors: Ariska Nurfajar Rini  , Lienggar Rahadiantino
Published: August 2023

There is extensive attention on financial inclusion and its benefits, recently strategy to stimulate financial inclusion has focused on innovation and technology penetration. This paper analyzes the effect of financial inclusion on a household’s income and the role of cellphone and internet access in household financial inclusion in Indonesia. We develop the financial deprivation of each household to calculate financial exclusion. The Indonesia Family Life Survey year 2014 data are utilized in this paper. Our methodology is Ordinary Least Square (OLS) to examine how the role of financial institutions affects a household’s income. In the second model, we use Probit estimation to determine the likelihood of household financial deprivation due to cellphone and internet access. We also check the robustness of previous models using Propensity Score Matching (PSM) estimation. Our estimation results found that financial exclusion has a highly significant impact on a specific group of households. With middle-level income households, the financial exclusion would deprive income of almost 80 percent. This finding explains that middle welfare households benefited more from financial inclusion than households in the poorest and the wealthiest group. Another result found that cellphone and mobile banking significantly impact decreasing financial deprivation, respectively.
IMPROVING UNDERSTANDING OF THE KITAB KUNING STUDYTHROUGH A TAKHASSUS PROGRAM AT NURUL ILMI WAL FIKRI PESANTREN-TEBUIRENG-JOMBANG
Authors: Agustin Zuwanita Nur , Masruroh Laily
Published: August 2023

This study aims to find out the strengths of the takhassus program learning design in improving the understanding of the kitab kuning study. This research uses a qualitative approach by using three data collection methods: observation, interview, and documentation. Data analysis was done in three stages: data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The informants in this study consisted of Caregivers, Ustadz, and Santri. The claim of this research is that the learning design developed by Pondok Pesantren Nurul Ilmi wal Fikri Tebuireng Jombang has its own characteristics in improving the understanding of the study of the kitab kuning. The distinctive features of this program design are the quality of teachers and the talaqqi method developed in a traditional pesantren manner. The takhasus reading kitab kuning program is a program in Islamic boarding schools which is only devoted to understanding and practicing the science of tools (nahwu shorof) in reading kitab kuning. This study concludes that the implementation of the kitab kuning takhasus program at the Nurul Ilmi Wal Fikri Jombang Islamic boarding school uses methods including discussion, sorogan, bandongan and sima'an. That is, the students are determined by the material from the book by the ustadz, then the students search and reading the kitab kuning
Google Translate’s Rendition of Verb-Subject Structures in
Arabic News Reports
Authors: Anwar Al-Taher Mohammad
Published: August 2023

The present paper attempts to shed light on one of the issues of Arabic-English
translation by the Google Translate service. The renditions provided for verb-subject
structures in several news reports are compared and contrasted with the originals in
order to come up with some rules which could assist in regulating the translation of the
basic elements of the Arabic sentence in the above genre. A number of factors are taken
into consideration, such as the length of the subject NP and the verb form and function.
GT’s rendition of news reports may be improved by introducing certain rules associated
with number and articles as well as a limited number of reporting verbs..
The human microbiome: A critical player in health and disease
Authors: Athar Aqsa , Rasool Aysham , Muzaffar Hamail Sahar , Mahmood Ayesha , Abdullah Muhammad , Ali Zain , Majeed Yusra
Published: August 2023

The human microbiome is a remarkable and sophisticated ecology made up of billions of bacteria that live in various regions of the human body, and its importance in supporting human health cannot be understated. The gut microbiome, in particular, has been widely studied and determined to have an important role in immune system regulation, digestion and absorption of nutrients, and the creation of numerous metabolites. Gut microbiome dysbiosis has been related to a variety of conditions and diseases, including metabolic disorders and inflammatory bowel disease. However, the encouraging outcomes of microbiome-based therapeutics like fecal microbiota transplantation and probiotics have given fresh hope for the treatment and prevention of many disorders. Similarly, the skin microbiome and oral microbiome have been discovered to play significant roles in pathogen protection, inflammatory regulation, and general health. Skin and mouth microbiome dysbiosis have been linked to a variety of dermatological and dental illnesses, respectively. Microbiome-based treatments, such as topical probiotics, oral probiotics, and prebiotics, have shown success in the treatment and prevention of various disorders.The human microbiome is an intriguing and promising field of research that might lead to new ways of preserving and improving human health. We can create novel ways for preventing and treating a variety of illnesses and diseases by better understanding the intricate connections between the microbiome and the host. It is imperative to continue exploring the microbiome to discover novel and effective therapeutics to battle the increase in chronic illnesses and enhance the general health of our communities.
In vitro and in silico methods for the biomechanical assessment of osseointegrated transfemoral prostheses: a systematic review
Authors: Galteri Giulia , Cristofolini Luca
Published: August 2023

The amputee population according to the World-Health-Organization is about 40 million. However, there is a high abandon rate of socket prostheses for the lower limb (25%–57%). The direct connection between the external prosthesis and the patient’s bone makes osseointegrated prostheses for transfemoral amputees advantageous (e.g., improvement of the motor control) compared to socket prostheses, which are currently the gold standard. However, similarly to other uncemented prostheses, the osseointegrated ones are at risk of aseptic loosening and adverse bone remodelling caused by stress-shielding. The preclinical assessment of these prostheses has already been evaluated using different methods which did not provide unanimous and comparable evidence. To compare data from different investigations, a clear and detailed overview of the methods used to assess the performance is necessary. In this review 17 studies investigating the primary stability, stress shielding and stress concentration of osseointegrated transfemoral prostheses are examined. Primary stability consists in the biomechanical stability upon implant insertion. Primary stability is assessed measuring extraction force (either with a pull-out or a push-out test) and micromotion at the interface between the implant and the host bone with LVDT (in vitro test) or numerical models. Stress-shielding causes adaptive changes in the bone density around metal implants, and thus in the bone strength and stiffness. Stress-shielding is assessed with strain gauges or numerical models measuring the load transfer and the strain distribution on the surface of the femur, and between the implant and the bone respectively. Stress concentration can lead to the formation of cracks inside the bone, resulting in fractures. The stress concentration is assessed measuring the load transfer and the strain energy density at the interface between the implant and the bone, using numerical models. As a result, a global view and consensus about the methods are missing from all these tests. Indeed, different setup and loading scenario were used in the in vitro test, while different model parameters (e.g., bone properties) were used in the numerical models. Once the preclinical assessment method is established, it would be important to define thresholds and acceptance criteria for each of the possible failure scenarios investigated.
Relationship between cell envelope ultrastructure and the antibacterial properties of a novel hydrophobic eumelanin-inspired derivative
Authors: Reed Daniel R. , Nehmzow Katherine , Essandoh Martha A. , Ebqa'ai Mohammad A. , Nelson Toby L. , Lutter Erika I. , Cook Gabriel A. , Champlin Franklin R.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Unique impermeability properties of the gram-negative outer cell envelope typically render these organisms intrinsically resistant to hydrophobic antibacterial compounds. Eumelanin-inspired indoylenephenyleneethynylene (EIPE) compounds possess scaffolding to which functional groups were attached to potentially provide antibacterial properties in the forms of hydrophilic (EIPE-HCl) and hydrophobic (EIPE-1) derivatives.

Methods

Standardized disk agar diffusion and microbroth dilution bioassays were employed to assess the susceptibility of disparate gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial pathogens to the two compounds. EIPE-1 mechanisms of action and intrinsic resistance were further investigated turbidimetrically in batch cultures with the aid of the gram-negative outer membrane permeabilizer compound 48/80.

Results

Hydrophobic derivative EIPE-1 exhibited a gram-positive antibacterial spectrum, while hydrophilic derivative EIPE-HCl possessed no antibacterial properties. EIPE-1 exhibited minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) values below 2.0 µg/mL against all gram-positive bacteria, including two methicillin-resistant strains. In contrast, MIC/MBC values greater than 128 µg/mL were obtained for all gram-negative bacteria examined. Susceptibility of two strains of the strict anaerobe Clostridioides difficile indicated the EIPE-1 mechanism of action does not require molecular oxygen. Turbidimetric growth curves revealed EIPE-1 induced rapid bacteriolysis of Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, thereby suggesting a membrane-directed modality. Lastly, the outer membrane permeabilizer compound 48/80 failed to markedly sensitize any of three phylogenetically disparate gram-negative organisms to EIPE-1.

Conclusion

These data suggest that the hydrophobic melanin-inspired derivative EIPE-1 inhibits gram-positive bacteria in a cytoplasmic membrane-directed manner independent of oxygen. Moreover, a secondary mechanism may function concomitantly with outer membrane exclusionary properties to underly the intrinsic resistance of gram-negative pathogens.
Plasmid-mediated virulence in Chlamydia
Authors: Turman Breanna J. , Darville Toni , O'Connell Catherine M.
Published: August 2023

Chlamydia trachomatis infection of ocular conjunctiva can lead to blindness, while infection of the female genital tract can lead to chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and/or infertility. Conjunctival and fallopian tube inflammation and the resulting disease sequelae are attributed to immune responses induced by chlamydial infection at these mucosal sites. The conserved chlamydial plasmid has been implicated in enhancing infection, via improved host cell entry and exit, and accelerating innate inflammatory responses that lead to tissue damage. The chlamydial plasmid encodes eight open reading frames, three of which have been associated with virulence: a secreted protein, Pgp3, and putative transcriptional regulators, Pgp4 and Pgp5. Although Pgp3 is an important plasmid-encoded virulence factor, recent studies suggest that chlamydial plasmid-mediated virulence extends beyond the expression of Pgp3. In this review, we discuss studies of genital, ocular, and gastrointestinal infection with C. trachomatis or C. muridarum that shed light on the role of the plasmid in disease development, and the potential for tissue and species-specific differences in plasmid-mediated pathogenesis. We also review evidence that plasmid-associated inflammation can be independent of bacterial burden. The functions of each of the plasmid-encoded proteins and potential molecular mechanisms for their role(s) in chlamydial virulence are discussed. Although the understanding of plasmid-associated virulence has expanded within the last decade, many questions related to how and to what extent the plasmid influences chlamydial infectivity and inflammation remain unknown, particularly with respect to human infections. Elucidating the answers to these questions could improve our understanding of how chlamydia augment infection and inflammation to cause disease.
Co-management brings hope for effective biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development in Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve in Malawi
Authors: Manda Leonard , Salako Kolawolé Valère , Kataya Andrew , Affossogbe Sèdjro A. T. , Njera Dalo , Mgoola William O. , Assogbadjo Achille Ephrem , Sinsin Brice
Published: August 2023

Co-management has been widely promoted in protected area management on the premise that it may simultaneously enhance biodiversity conservation outcomes and improve livelihoods of the park-border communities. However, the success of this management approach remains a growing debate raising the question of its effectiveness. To contribute to this debate, we used local community perceptions and secondary ecological data to assess the extent to which co-management has effectively contributed to biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development outcomes in the Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve. Face-to-face individual interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire were used to collect data on the perceptions of co-management from 160 purposively selected heads of households. A desk study was used to collect data on trends in animal populations, animal mortality, and prohibited activities including incidences of poaching for the past 30 years (pre-and post-introduction of co-management). Results showed that local communities have positive perceptions of the conservation work in the Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve. Further, there was an improved people-park relationship and a recovery of animal populations in the reserve after the introduction of co-management. These findings point to the success of co-management in the area. However, misunderstandings over revenue sharing were still a thorny issue, somehow creating mistrust between parties. We concluded that while it may still be early to achieve more demonstrable conservation outcomes, co-management appears to bring hope for effective biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development in the Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve. Participatory evaluation of co-management involving key stakeholders is recommended in the Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve based on the findings of this study and lessons learnt over the years.
Associations between long-term blood pressure trajectory and all-cause and CVD mortality among old people in China
Authors: Liu Huimeng , Wang Yutong , Zhang Binyan , Liu Jingchun , Huo Yating , Cao Suixia , Wu Shaowei , Wan Yong , Xie Xinming , Zeng Lingxia , Yan Hong , Dang Shaonong , Mi Baibing
Published: August 2023

Background

Optimal blood pressure (BP) management strategy among the elderly remains controversial, with insufficient consideration of long-term BP trajectory. This study aimed to identify BP trajectory patterns as well as terminal BP trajectory among the Chinese elderly and to explore the relationships between BP trajectories and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.

Methods

We included 11,181 participants older than 60 at baseline (mean age, 80.98 ± 10.71) with 42,871 routine BP measurements from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Latent class trajectory analysis and Cox proportional hazard model were conducted to identify trajectory patterns and their associations with mortality. Furthermore, we also applied mixed-effects model to identify terminal BP trajectories among the elderly.

Results

Compared with stable at normal high level trajectory, excess systolic BP (SBP) trajectory with decreasing trend was associated with a 34% (HR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.23–1.45) higher risk of all-cause mortality. Considering the competing risk of non-CVD death, excess BP trajectory with decreasing trend had a more pronounced effect on CVD mortality, in which HR (95% CI) was 1.67 (1.17, 2.37). Similar results were also found in diastolic BP (DBP), pulse pressure (PP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) trajectories. We further conducted a mixed-effects model and observed that SBP and PP trajectories first increased and began to decline slightly six years before death. In contrast, DBP and MAP showed continuous decline 15 years before death.

Conclusion

Long-term BP trajectory was associated with all-cause mortality, especially CVD mortality. Keeping a stable BP over time may be an important way for CVD prevention among the elderly.
Efficacy and safety of Qixue Tongzhi Granule in improving the exercise capacity of stable coronary artery disease: study protocol for a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Chao Tiantian , Sun Jinghui , Huan Na , Ge Yaru , Wang Chenglong
Published: August 2023

Background

Despite optimal medical therapy, patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) still have a high risk of recurrent cardiovascular events. Exercise capacity measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a good surrogate marker for the long-term prognosis of SCAD. Qixue Tongzhi Granule (QTG) is created by academician Chen Keji and has the function of tonifying qi, promoting blood circulation, and regulating qi-flowing. This trial aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of QTG in improving exercise tolerance, alleviating angina pectoris and anxiety/depression symptoms, promoting health-related quality of life, and reducing the risk of adverse cardiovascular events in subjects with SCAD.

Methods

This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. 150 SCAD patients with qi deficiency, blood stasis, and liver qi stagnation syndrome are enrolled. Patients will be randomly allocated to the QTG or placebo groups at a 1:1 ratio. QTG and placebo will be added to the modern guideline-directed medical therapy for 12 weeks and patients will be followed up for another 24 weeks. The primary outcome is the improvement of metabolic equivalents measured by CPET. The secondary outcomes are cumulative incidence of composite endpoint events, other indicators in CPET, changes in the Seattle Angina Questionnaire, traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scale, 12 items of Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, changes of ST-T segment in the electrocardiogram, improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter in echocardiography. In addition, metabolomics analysis will be performed based on blood samples. Adverse events and safety evaluations will also be documented. A full analysis set, per protocol set, and safety analysis set will be conducted.

Discussion

This clinical trial can enrich treatment options for CHD patients with low cardiorespiratory fitness and psychological imbalance, and it may also create a new situation for promoting the application of traditional Chinese medicine in cardiac rehabilitation.

Clinical Trial Registration: [http://www.chictr.org.cn], identifier: [ChiCTR2200058988].
Discovering anomalies in big data: a review focused on the application of metaheuristics and machine learning techniques
Authors: Cavallaro Claudia , Cutello Vincenzo , Pavone Mario , Zito Francesco
Published: August 2023

With the increase in available data from computer systems and their security threats, interest in anomaly detection has increased as well in recent years. The need to diagnose faults and cyberattacks has also focused scientific research on the automated classification of outliers in big data, as manual labeling is difficult in practice due to their huge volumes. The results obtained from data analysis can be used to generate alarms that anticipate anomalies and thus prevent system failures and attacks. Therefore, anomaly detection has the purpose of reducing maintenance costs as well as making decisions based on reports. During the last decade, the approaches proposed in the literature to classify unknown anomalies in log analysis, process analysis, and time series have been mainly based on machine learning and deep learning techniques. In this study, we provide an overview of current state-of-the-art methodologies, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages and the new challenges. In particular, we will see that there is no absolute best method, i.e., for any given dataset a different method may achieve the best result. Finally, we describe how the use of metaheuristics within machine learning algorithms makes it possible to have more robust and efficient tools.
Electromagnetic imaging and deep learning for transition to renewable energies: a technology review
Authors: Castillo-Reyes Octavio , Hu Xiangping , Wang Bochen , Wang Yanyi , Guo Zhenwei
Published: August 2023

Electromagnetic imaging is a technique that has been employed and perfected to investigate the Earth subsurface over the past three decades. Besides the traditional geophysical surveys (e.g., hydrocarbon exploration, geological mapping), several new applications have appeared (e.g., characterization of geothermal energy reservoirs, capture and storage of carbon dioxide, water prospecting, and monitoring of hazardous-waste deposits). The development of new numerical schemes, algorithms, and easy access to supercomputers have supported innovation throughout the geo-electromagnetic community. In particular, deep learning solutions have taken electromagnetic imaging technology to a different level. These emerging deep learning tools have significantly contributed to data processing for enhanced electromagnetic imaging of the Earth. Herein, we review innovative electromagnetic imaging technologies and deep learning solutions and their role in better understanding useful resources for the energy transition path. To better understand this landscape, we describe the physics behind electromagnetic imaging, current trends in its numerical modeling, development of computational tools (traditional approaches and emerging deep learning schemes), and discuss some key applications for the energy transition. We focus on the need to explore all the alternatives of technologies and expertise transfer to propel the energy landscape forward. We hope this review may be useful for the entire geo-electromagnetic community and inspire and drive the further development of innovative electromagnetic imaging technologies to power a safer future based on energy sources.
Risk sharing in quasi-public-welfare water conservancy (PPP) public-private participation projects: an integrated application of Shapley value and utility theory
Authors: Liu Dawei , Liu Liang , Tan Xin
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Quasi-public water conservancy PPP (Public-private participation) projects are closely related to people’s livelihoods and involve multiple participating stakeholders. Previous research on risk sharing in such projects has primarily focused on qualitative analysis of risk factors. Due to self-interest considerations, the collaborating parties tend to deflect and transfer risks to each other as much as possible in the risk sharing process. Additionally, some quantitative analysis methods have been predominantly based on a unilateral perspective.

Methods: Therefore, the present study proposed a new model, which is based on the Shapley Value and the Utility Theory, encompassing a comprehensive analysis of multiple factors such as the proportion of capital contribution, bargaining position, risk management capabilities, and risk-taking willingness of heterogeneous subjects. Firstly, the relationship between the risk losses of different stakeholders and their corresponding value scales and utility attributes is comprehensively analysed, and the transformation characteristics and links of their risk preferences on spatial and temporal scales are summarised. Secondly, The utility values of heterogeneous subjects are employed as quantitative indicators to evaluate utility, leading to the construction of a comprehensive utility objective function for these subjects. Finally, The Shapley Value is then applied to modify the risk-sharing ratio based on the Utility Theory.

Results: The research results show that the risk sharing ratio obtained by single use of shapley value theory or utility theory will be biased toward one side, while the result calculated by using the combination of the two methods is 57.35% for the government to share the risk ratio, and 42.65% for the social capital side, which is a more balanced result.

Discussion: The proposed model enriches the risk management method and theory of quasi public welfare water conservancy PPP projects.
Dialogues with parents: a parental support and empowerment program based on the Touchpoints Model
Authors: Brito Ana Teresa , Xavier Maria Raul , Azevedo Nair , Fareleira Filipa , Espirito Santo Joana , Teixeira Lina , Tinoco Joana , Singer Jayne
Published: August 2023

“Dialogues with Parents-welcoming, listening, and empowering” aimed to understand the impact of an innovative approach supporting parents with identified social/emotional vulnerabilities. Program goals included the promotion of positive parenting, the expansion of parents' knowledge and skills, and the enhancement of parent–child interactions. Based on the Brazelton Touchpoints Developmental-Relational Frameworks, the program applied strength-based assumptions and relationship-based practices to underpin empathic and collaborative relationships with families, seeking to strengthen their confidence in parenting. Two modalities were offered with a modular structure from prenatal–newborn to 6 years. Both included 10 modules, one in which the same group of parents carried out the complete sequence of sessions (Continuous Group) and a second in which parents selected one Touchpoint according to their needs and “drop in” to the session(s) of their choice (Touchpoints 1 by 1 Group). Data were gathered through satisfaction questionnaires at the end of each encounter. A focus group was also held with parents from the Continuous Group. The difference between applications (248) and total participation (99) indicates that parent's interest in participating is high but only a third managed to join the groups. Nevertheless, the results were very positive, highlighting the quality of the Touchpoints approach and program implementation, namely its impact on improving parents' understanding of children's development and of their own role in parenting. Parents particularly valued the opportunity to actively participate in the encounters and, in the Continuous Group, the usefulness of the encounters for themselves as a person and as parents.
Radioactive iodine therapy strategies for distinct types of differentiated thyroid cancer: a propensity score–matched analysis
Authors: Guo Honghao , Zhang Ning , Hu Yixuan , Zhang Furong , Huang Tao , Shen Na
Published: August 2023

Background

The management guidelines of radioactive Iodine (RAI) therapy for distinct types of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) were the same in clinical practice. However, in distinct types DTC, differences in RAI avidity and response existed and the effect of RAI therapy could not be equated.

Methods

DTC patients’ data in SEER database were extracted to perform retrospective analysis. The differences between case group and control group were compared by chi-square tests. We used Kaplan-Meier statistics and Cox regression analyses to investigate cancer-specific survival (CSS). Propensity score–matched was performed to make 1:1 case-control matching.

Results

105195 patients who receiving total thyroidectomy were identified in SEER database. Compared to papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) (52.3%), follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) (63.8%) and oncocytic carcinoma of thyroid (OCA) (64.4%) had higher rates of RAI therapy. In the multivariable Cox regression model, RAI therapy was independent prognosis factor in PTC but not in OCA and FTC. In subgroup analysis, RAI therapy could improve prognosis in PTC when gross extrathyroidal extension or lymph node metastases or early survival when distant metastases (DM) were presented. However, OCA and FTC patients with DM rather than regional lesions only could benefit from RAI therapy. High-risk patients receiving RAI therapy showed a better prognosis in PTC but not in OCA and FTC.

Conclusion

RAI therapy was an effective treatment for DTC and should be considered individually in PTC, OCA and FTC patients. Our results provided further guideline for treatment selection in DTC.
Anti-osteoporosis mechanism of resistance exercise in ovariectomized rats based on transcriptome analysis: a pilot study
Authors: Wang Qing , Weng Heng , Xu Yue , Ye Hui , Liang Yongqi , Wang Lulu , Zhang Yutong , Gao Yujie , Wang Jiayi , Xu Yuchen , Sun Zhiling , Xu Guihua
Published: August 2023

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is the main cause of fractures in women. Resistance exercise has a positive effect on bone mineral density in postmenopausal osteoporosis patients, but its mechanism is unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism of resistance exercise in improving ovariectomized osteoporotic rats based on the transcriptome sequencing technique. Eighteen female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the sham-operated group, the non-exercise group, and the resistance exercise group. The rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis was established by bilateral ovariectomy. Ten weeks after the operation, the resistance exercise group received 2 weeks of adaptive training, and 12 weeks of resistance exercise began in the 13th week. The rats were trained 5 days per week, in 4 sets of 3 repetitions per day. After the intervention, all rats were sacrificed, and the body weight, bone mineral density, trabecular bone microarchitecture, and bone biomechanics were examined. At the same time, RNA-seq and enrichment analysis of gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes were performed on the left tibias, followed by Elisa and RT-qPCR verification. It had been found that resistance exercise can effectively counteract the weight gain of ovariectomized osteoporotic rats, and has a good effect on bone mineral density and trabecular bone microarchitecture. Enrichment analysis showed that regulation of gene expression and osteoclast differentiation is the most closely related biological process and signaling pathway shared by RE/Ovx and NE/Ovx groups. Our results revealed that resistance exercise can play a role in inhibiting osteoclast activation and preventing the enhancement of osteoclast bone resorption function in ovariectomized osteoporotic rats by inhibiting Fos/Fosb-regulated TRAP activation and relieving Calcr inhibition, which has important application value in preventing bone loss caused by estrogen deficiency.
Alterations in the amino acid profile in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma with and without Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Authors: Hellmann Andrzej , Turyn Jacek , Zwara Agata , Korczynska Justyna , Taciak Aleksandra , Mika Adriana
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Amino acids (AAs) play important physiological roles in living cells. Some amino acid changes in blood are specific for autoimmune disorders, and some are specific for thyroid cancer. The aims of this study were to profile AA metabolites in the serum of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC0) without Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and patients with PTC with HT (PTC1) and predict whether AA metabolites are associated with thyroid disease, thyroid hormone and thyroid autoantibodies.

Methods

A total of 95 serum samples were collected, including 28 healthy controls (HCs), 28 PTC0 patients and 39 PTC1 patients. Serum samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-triple stage quadrupole-mass spectrometry (HPLC-TSQ-MS), and twenty-one amino acids (AAs) were detected.

Results

The serum concentration of glutamic acid was significantly elevated in PTC1 patients compared with PTC0 patients. Lysine was the second amino acid that differentiated these two groups of PTC patients. In addition, the serum concentrations of glycine, alanine and tyrosine were significantly reduced in both PTC patient groups compared to the HC group. These AAs were also correlated with thyroid hormones and antibodies. Five amino acid markers, namely, glycine, tyrosine, glutamic acid, glutamine and arginine, separated/distinguished PTC0 patients from healthy subjects, and eight AA markers, the same AAs as above without arginine but with alanine, leucine, valine and histidine, separated/distinguished PTC1 patients from healthy subjects based on ROC analysis.

Conclusion

Compared with the HCs, changes in AAs in PTC0 and PTC1 patients showed similar patterns, suggesting the possibility of a common pathophysiological basis, which confirms preliminary research that PTC is significantly associated with pathologically confirmed HT. We found two AAs, lysine and alanine, that can perform diagnostic functions in distinguishing PTC1 from PTC0.
Expression patterns and immunological characterization of PANoptosis -related genes in gastric cancer
Authors: Qing Xin , Jiang Junyi , Yuan Chunlei , Xie Kunke , Wang Ke
Published: August 2023

Background

Accumulative studies have demonstrated the close relationship between tumor immunity and pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis. However, the role of PANoptosis in gastric cancer (GC) is yet to be fully understood.

Methods

This research attempted to identify the expression patterns of PANoptosis regulators and the immune landscape in GC by integrating the GSE54129 and GSE65801 datasets. We analyzed GC specimens and established molecular clusters associated with PANoptosis-related genes (PRGs) and corresponding immune characteristics. The differentially expressed genes were determined with the WGCNA method. Afterward, we employed four machine learning algorithms (Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, Generalized linear Model, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting) to select the optimal model, which was validated using nomogram, calibration curve, decision curve analysis (DCA), and two validation cohorts. Additionally, this study discussed the relationship between infiltrating immune cells and variables in the selected model.

Results

This study identified dysregulated PRGs and differential immune activities between GC and normal samples, and further identified two PANoptosis-related molecular clusters in GC. These clusters demonstrated remarkable immunological heterogeneity, with Cluster1 exhibiting abundant immune infiltration. The Support Vector Machine signature was found to have the best discriminative ability, and a 5-gene-based SVM signature was established. This model showed excellent performance in the external validation cohorts, and the nomogram, calibration curve, and DCA indicated its reliability in predicting GC patterns. Further analysis confirmed that the 5 selected variables were remarkably related to infiltrating immune cells and immune-related pathways.

Conclusion

Taken together, this work demonstrates that the PANoptosis pattern has the potential as a stratification tool for patient risk assessment and a reflection of the immune microenvironment in GC.
The role of Neurochemicals, Stress Hormones and Immune System in the Positive Feedback Loops between Diabetes, Obesity and Depression
Authors: Wilson Julian B. , Epstein Ma’ayan , Lopez Briana , Brown Amira K. , Lutfy Kabirullah , Friedman Theodore C.
Published: August 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and depression are significant public health and socioeconomic issues. They commonly co-occur, with T2DM occurring in 11.3% of the US population, while depression has a prevalence of about 9%, with higher rates among youths. Approximately 31% of patients with T2DM suffer from depressive symptoms, with 11.4% having major depressive disorders, which is twice as high as the prevalence of depression in patients without T2DM. Additionally, over 80% of people with T2DM are overweight or obese. This review describes how T2DM and depression can enhance one another, using the same molecular pathways, by synergistically altering the brain’s structure and function and reducing the reward obtained from eating. In this article, we reviewed the evidence that eating, especially high-caloric foods, stimulates the limbic system, initiating Reward Deficiency Syndrome. Analogous to other addictive behaviors, neurochemical changes in those with depression and/or T2DM are thought to cause individuals to increase their food intake to obtain the same reward leading to binge eating, weight gain and obesity. Treating the symptoms of T2DM, such as lowering HbA1c, without addressing the underlying pathways has little chance of eliminating the disease. Targeting the immune system, stress circuit, melatonin, and other alterations may be more effective.