bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proposal to Improve the E-Commerce Platform Development Process with an Exploratory Case Study in Chile
Authors: Monsalve-Obreque Paola , Vargas-Villarroel Patricia , Hormazabal-Astorga Yemsy , Hochstetter-Diez Jorge , Bustos-Gómez Jaime , Diéguez-Rebolledo Mauricio
Published: July 2023

Electronic commerce (e-commerce) is the buying and selling of goods and/or services over the internet. In recent years, e-commerce has experienced tremendous growth due to the popularity of and access to the internet throughout the world. Many companies have seen an opportunity in this market, starting to offer their products and/or services online. However, developing electronic commerce platforms can be complex and requires technical skills and specialized knowledge, which has become a problem due to the need to comply with the standards and requirements of customers who request to join these channels. Microenterprises in particular often need more resources and experience building e-commerce platforms. This is an exploratory case study, the objective of which is to design a proposal to improve an e-commerce platform development process for a computer enterprise from Valdivia, Chile, based on the international standard ISO 10008. Therefore, a solution is proposed for microenterprises to standardize their processes and improve their competitiveness in an increasingly demanding market, incorporating a methodology based on a review of quality management and customer satisfaction guidelines for e-commerce that allow the identification of internal and external failures, to prevent problems and achieve acceptable results. The proposal includes suggestions on how to improve the user experience on platforms, make the purchase and payment process more efficient, develop a support section for the computer microenterprise, and improve the security and privacy of customer data. The study of this quality regulation is one of the first at the national level, paving the way for developing proposals for other microenterprises in the country and, in turn, for the study and implementation of guidelines for business-to-consumer electronic commerce transactions (B2C ETC).
Evaluation of Different Priming Agents with Conventional and Bioactive Self-Adhesive Resin Cements on Shear Bond Strength to Zirconia
Authors: Hajjaj Maher S. , Barboud Hebah M. , Almashabi Heba K. , Alzahrani Saeed J. , Haimed Tariq S. Abu , Alnoury Arwa S. , Sulaiman Taiseer A.
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different priming agents on the shear bond strength (SBS) of conventional and bioactive self-adhesive resin cements to zirconia. One hundred and twenty zirconia discs were randomly divided into four main groups according to the priming agents used (n = 30): no priming agent (control), zirconia primer (Z-PRIME Plus), universal adhesive (All-Bond Universal), and universal ceramic primer (Monobond N). Then, each group was subdivided into three subgroups according to the type of self-adhesive resin cement used: TheraCem, Activa BioActive, and RelyX U200 Automix (n = 10). All specimens were subjected to thermocycling. The mean SBS data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA, followed by multiple comparison Bonferroni test. Without the application of priming agents (control), most of the specimens failed during thermocycling. The priming agent, cement type, and their interaction had a significant effect on the SBS to zirconia (p < 0.001). Only the type of priming agent showed a significant effect on the mode of failure (p < 0.001), resulting in mainly mixed failure with Monobond N and adhesive failure with other primers. Regardless of the type of primer, Bioactive resin cements did not improve the SBS to zirconia compared to conventional cements.
Nitrogen and Phosphorus Discharge Loads Assessment Using the SWAT Model: A Case Study of the Shatt Al-Arab River Basin
Authors: Salim Aoubid Hadi , Opp Christian
Published: July 2023

Understanding the link between land use/land cover (LULC) patterns and water quality can establish guidelines for non-point source pollution management and sustainable development. The transboundary Shatt Al-Arab river basin (Iraq-Iran) suffers from nutrient pollution problems. This study aimed to estimate flow volume, nitrogen, and phosphorus pollution in this basin and how such pollution relates to LULC and flow volume using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. The data used in the SWAT model were the Digital Elevation Model (DEM), slope, parent materials of soil, LULC, and weather data (i.e., precipitation, relative humidity, temperature, solar radiation, and wind speed). The results showed that from 2004 to 2021, the annual Total Nitrogen (TN) and Total Phosphorus (TP) outputs were 618 and 140 kg km−2, respectively. The TN discharge load ranged from 27 to 6500 kg km−2 yr−1, while the TP discharge load ranged from 1 to 1600 kg km−2 yr−1. Redundancy Analysis (RDA) revealed that cropland and urban cover ratios were positively correlated with the annual TN and TP discharge loads. On the contrary, shrubland and bare land ratios were negatively correlated with the annual TN and TP discharge loads. Results showed that flow volume is positively correlated with precipitation. Both annual TN and TP discharge loads exhibited a positive correlation with flow volume and a negative correlation with subbasin area. The highest annual TN and TP discharge loads were in the middle parts of the basin, where the cultivated land and construction land are concentrated and the flow volume is high. Thus, findings suggest that the basin is sensitive to shifts in flow volume associated with global climate change and to shifts in LULC change. No study for nutrient discharge load assessment for the entire Shatt Al-Arab river basin has been performed before. Hence, the novel contribution of this study will guide the hydrologists and water resource planners in the basin to establish effective water policies, climate change mitigation strategies, and environmental change adaptation strategies.
Analysis of Physiological, Physical, and Tactical Responses in Small-Sided Games in Women’s Soccer: The Effect of Numerical Superiority
Authors: Trombiero Danillo Silveira , Praça Gibson Moreira , Borges Eduardo de Paula Amorim , de Lira Claudio Andre Barbosa , Leonardi Thiago José , Laporta Lorenzo , Castro Henrique de Oliveira , Costa Gustavo De Conti Teixeira
Published: July 2023

Small-sided and conditioned games (SSGs) are pedagogical tools that help in soccer training, being used to solve tactical problems with the specific demands of the game. In this context, this study aimed to compare physical, physiological, and tactical responses in elite women’s soccer in SSGs with numerical equality (3-a-side) and superiority (3-a-side + 1) in the offensive phase. The sample consisted of 16 female athletes participating in official national competitions. Two consecutive days of data collection were conducted, and a 4 min duration series was carried out. The variables analysed were the total distance covered, the distance covered at different speeds, maximum heart rate (HRmáx), mean heart rate, the spatial exploration index, the stretching index, length, width, and LpWratio. The results showed an increase in distance covered at speeds of 7.20–14.29 km/h (m) (effect size: medium) and a decrease in HRmáx (effect size: small) in the numerical superiority. Regarding tactical response, there was a decrease in the spatial exploration index (effect size: large), length (effect size: medium), and stretching index (effect size: large) for games played in the numerical superiority. Thus, it was observed that SSGs with numerical superiority in women’s soccer suggest more clustered, less exploratory, and more positional behaviour of the athletes.
Overview of 3D Printed Exoskeleton Materials and Opportunities for Their AI-Based Optimization
Authors: Rojek Izabela , Dorożyński Janusz , Mikołajewski Dariusz , Kotlarz Piotr
Published: July 2023

An aging population, the effects of pandemics and civilization-related conditions, and limited leapfrogging in the number of rehabilitation and physiotherapy specialists are driving demand for modern assistive technologies, especially upper and lower limb exoskeletons. Patient-tailored devices are a rapidly developing group of technologies, both from a biomechanics, informatics, and materials engineering perspective. In particular, the technological development of 3D printing, the expanding range of available materials and their properties (including contact with living tissue and bodily fluids), and the possibility of selecting and optimizing them using artificial intelligence (including machine learning) are encouraging the emergence of new concepts, particularly within the Industry 4.0 paradigm. The article provides an overview of what is available in this area, including an assessment of as yet untapped research and industrial and, in part, clinical potential.
Protective Effects of Fermented Glasswort (Salicornia herbacea L.) on Aged Gut Induced by D-Galactose in Rats
Authors: Song Doyoung , Sangpreecha Neeracha , Chanmuang Saoraya , Park Yang-Kyun , Ham Kyung-Sik
Published: July 2023

Glasswort (Salicornia herbacea L.) is a halophyte plant known to contain high contents of minerals and phytochemicals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of fermented glasswort on gut health in D-galactose (D-gal)-induced aging rats. Forty rats were randomly divided into five groups: control (CON), D-gal alone (CD), D-gal plus fructooligosaccharide as a positive control (FOS, 400 mg/kg), D-gal plus low dose fermented glasswort (LGW, 10 mg/kg), and D-gal plus high-dose fermented glasswort (HGW, 20 mg/kg). Each treatment was orally administered to rats of each group for eight weeks. All groups except for the CON group (treated with saline) were intraperitoneally injected with D-gal (150 mg/kg). Our results showed that butyric acid among short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), goblet cells of colon, and thickness of mucus layer in colon were increased in fermented glasswort groups. In addition, fermented glasswort reduced levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS, a related oxidative stress marker) and expression levels of inflammation-related proteins such as IL-1β. These results suggest that fermented glasswort can improve age-related gut health.
Changes in the Power and Coupling of Infra-Slow Oscillations in the Signals of EEG Leads during Stress-Inducing Cognitive Tasks
Authors: Prokhorov Mikhail D. , Borovkova Ekaterina I. , Hramkov Aleksey N. , Dubinkina Elizaveta S. , Ponomarenko Vladimir I. , Ishbulatov Yurii M. , Kurbako Alexander V. , Karavaev Anatoly S.
Published: July 2023

A change in the human psychophysiological state, caused by stress in particular, affects the processes of autonomic control, the activity of which is reflected in infra-slow oscillations of brain potentials with a frequency of less than 0.5 Hz. We studied the infra-slow oscillations in scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) signals in the frequency ranges of 0.05–0.15 Hz and 0.15–0.50 Hz that are associated with the processes of sympathetic and parasympathetic control, respectively, in healthy subjects at rest and during stress-inducing cognitive tasks. The power spectra of EEG signals, the phase coherence coefficients, and indices of directional coupling between the infra-slow oscillations in the signals of different EEG leads were analyzed. We revealed that, compared with the state of rest, the stress state is characterized by a significant decrease in the power of infra-slow oscillations and changes in the structure of couplings between infra-slow oscillations in EEG leads. In particular, under stressful conditions, a decrease in both intrahemispheric and interhemispheric coupling between EEG leads occurred in the range of 0.05–0.15 Hz, while a decrease in intrahemispheric and an increase in interhemispheric couplings was observed in the range of 0.15–0.50 Hz.
Exploration of Machine Learning Algorithms for pH and Moisture Estimation in Apples Using VIS-NIR Imaging
Authors: Kavuncuoğlu Erhan , Çetin Necati , Yildirim Bekir , Nadimi Mohammad , Paliwal Jitendra
Published: July 2023

Non-destructive assessment of fruits for grading and quality determination is essential to automate pre- and post-harvest handling. Near-infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging (HSI) has already established itself as a powerful tool for characterizing the quality parameters of various fruits, including apples. The adoption of HSI is expected to grow exponentially if inexpensive tools are made available to growers and traders at the grassroots levels. To this end, the present study aims to explore the feasibility of using a low-cost visible-near-infrared (VIS-NIR) HSI in the 386–1028 nm wavelength range to predict the moisture content (MC) and pH of Pink Lady apples harvested at three different maturity stages. Five different machine learning algorithms, viz. partial least squares regression (PLSR), multiple linear regression (MLR), k-nearest neighbor (kNN), decision tree (DT), and artificial neural network (ANN) were utilized to analyze HSI data cubes. In the case of ANN, PLSR, and MLR models, data analysis modeling was performed using 11 optimum features identified using a Bootstrap Random Forest feature selection approach. Among the tested algorithms, ANN provided the best performance with R (correlation), and root mean squared error (RMSE) values of 0.868 and 0.756 for MC and 0.383 and 0.044 for pH prediction, respectively. The obtained results indicate that while the VIS-NIR HSI promises success in non-destructively measuring the MC of apples, its performance for pH prediction of the studied apple variety is poor. The present work contributes to the ongoing research in determining the full potential of VIS-NIR HSI technology in apple grading, maturity assessment, and shelf-life estimation.
On Invariant Vectors in the Presence of Electric and Magnetic Fields
Authors: Pain Jean-Christophe
Published: July 2023

In this non-exhaustive review, we discuss the importance of invariant vectors in atomic physics, such as the Laplace–Runge–Lenz vector, the Redmond vector in the presence of an electric field, the Landau–Avron–Sivardièrevector when the system is subject to a magnetic field, and the supergeneralized Runge–Lenz vector for the two-center problem. The application to the Stark and Zeeman effects are outlined. The existence of constants of motion in the charge-dyon system is also briefly mentioned.
The Zakharov–Shabat Spectral Problem for Complexification and Perturbation of the Korteweg–de Vries Equation
Authors: Redkina Tatyana V. , Zakinyan Arthur R. , Zakinyan Robert G.
Published: July 2023

In this paper we consider examples of complex expansion (cKdV) and perturbation (pKdV) of the Korteweg–de Vries equation (KdV) and show that these equations have a representation in the form of the zero-curvature equation. In this case, we use the Lie algebra of 4-dimensional quadratic nilpotent matrices. Moreover, it is shown that the simplest possible matrix representation of this algebra leads to the possibility of constructing a countable number of conservation laws for these equations.
Pressure-Volume Loop Analysis of Voiding Workload: An Application in Trans-Vaginal Mesh-Repaired Pelvic Organ Prolapse Patients
Authors: Lau Hui-Hsuan , Lai Cheng-Yuan , Hsieh Ming-Chun , Peng Hsien-Yu , Chou Dylan , Su Tsung-Hsien , Lee Jie-Jen , Lin Tzer-Bin
Published: July 2023

Although trans-vaginal mesh (TVM) offers a successful anatomical reconstruction and can subjectively relieve symptoms/signs in pelvic organ prolapse (POP) patients, its objective benefits to the voiding function of the bladder have not been well established. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic advantage of TVM on bladder function by focusing on the thermodynamic workload of voiding. The histories of 31 POP patients who underwent TVM repair were retrospectively reviewed. Cystometry and pressure volume analysis (PVA) of the patients performed before and after the operation were analyzed. TVM postoperatively decreased the mean voiding resistance (mRv, p < 0.05, N = 31), reduced the mean and peak voiding pressure (mPv, p < 0.05 and pPv, p < 0.01, both N = 31), and elevated the mean flow rate (mFv, p < 0.05, N = 31) of voiding. While displaying an insignificant effect on the voided volume (Vv, p < 0.05, N = 31), TVM significantly shortened the voiding time (Tv, p < 0.05, N = 31). TVM postoperatively decreased the loop-enclosed area (Apv, p < 0.05, N = 31) in the PVA, indicating that TVM lessened the workload of voiding. Moreover, in 21 patients who displayed postvoiding urine retention before the operation, TVM decreased the residual volume (Vr, p < 0.01, N = 21). Collectively, our results reveal that TVM postoperatively lessened the workload of bladder voiding by diminishing voiding resistance, which reduced the pressure gradient required for driving urine flow.
Hydrogel-Impregnated Self-Oxygenating Electrospun Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Augustine Robin , Nikolopoulos Vasilios K. , Camci-Unal Gulden
Published: July 2023

Bone defects resulting from trauma, disease, or aging present significant challenges in the clinic. Although biomaterial scaffolds for bone-tissue engineering have shown promising results, challenges remain, including the need for adequate mechanical strength and suitable bioactive agents within scaffolds to promote bone formation. Oxygen is a critical factor for successful bone formation, and low oxygen tension inhibits it. In this study, we developed gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel-impregnated electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds that can release oxygen over 3 weeks. We investigated the potential of composite scaffolds for cell survival in bone-tissue engineering. Our results showed that the addition of an increased amount of CaO2 nanoparticles to the PCL scaffolds significantly increased oxygen generation, which was modulated by GelMA impregnation. Moreover, the resulting scaffolds showed improved cytocompatibility, pre-osteoblast adhesion, and proliferation under hypoxic conditions. This finding is particularly relevant since hypoxia is a prevalent feature in various bone diseases. In addition to providing oxygen, CaO2 nanoparticles also act as reinforcing agents improving the mechanical property of the scaffolds, while the incorporation of GelMA enhances cell adhesion and proliferation properties. Overall, our newly developed self-oxygenating composite biomaterials are promising scaffolds for bone-tissue engineering applications.
Assessing Tumorigenicity in Stem Cell-Derived Therapeutic Products: A Critical Step in Safeguarding Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Wang Zongjie
Published: July 2023

Stem cells hold promise in regenerative medicine due to their ability to proliferate and differentiate into various cell types. However, their self-renewal and multipotency also raise concerns about their tumorigenicity during and post-therapy. Indeed, multiple studies have reported the presence of stem cell-derived tumors in animal models and clinical administrations. Therefore, the assessment of tumorigenicity is crucial in evaluating the safety of stem cell-derived therapeutic products. Ideally, the assessment needs to be performed rapidly, sensitively, cost-effectively, and scalable. This article reviews various approaches for assessing tumorigenicity, including animal models, soft agar culture, PCR, flow cytometry, and microfluidics. Each method has its advantages and limitations. The selection of the assay depends on the specific needs of the study and the stage of development of the stem cell-derived therapeutic product. Combining multiple assays may provide a more comprehensive evaluation of tumorigenicity. Future developments should focus on the optimization and standardization of microfluidics-based methods, as well as the integration of multiple assays into a single platform for efficient and comprehensive evaluation of tumorigenicity.
Detecting Dementia from Face-Related Features with Automated Computational Methods
Authors: Zheng Chuheng , Bouazizi Mondher , Ohtsuki Tomoaki , Kitazawa Momoko , Horigome Toshiro , Kishimoto Taishiro
Published: July 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a type of dementia that is more likely to occur as people age. It currently has no known cure. As the world’s population is aging quickly, early screening for AD has become increasingly important. Traditional screening methods such as brain scans or psychiatric tests are stressful and costly. The patients are likely to feel reluctant to such screenings and fail to receive timely intervention. While researchers have been exploring the use of language in dementia detection, less attention has been given to face-related features. The paper focuses on investigating how face-related features can aid in detecting dementia by exploring the PROMPT dataset that contains video data collected from patients with dementia during interviews. In this work, we extracted three types of features from the videos, including face mesh, Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) features, and Action Units (AU). We trained traditional machine learning models and deep learning models on the extracted features and investigated their effectiveness in dementia detection. Our experiments show that the use of HOG features achieved the highest accuracy of 79% in dementia detection, followed by AU features with 71% accuracy, and face mesh features with 66% accuracy. Our results show that face-related features have the potential to be a crucial indicator in automated computational dementia detection.
Validation of an Ultraviolet Light Response Gene Signature for Predicting Prognosis in Patients with Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Orozco Carlos A. , Mejía-García Alejandro , Ramírez Marcela , González Johanna , Castro-Vega Luis , Kreider Richard B. , Serrano Silvia , Combita Alba Lucia , Bonilla Diego A.
Published: July 2023

Uveal melanoma (UVM) is a highly aggressive ocular cancer with limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis particularly for patients with liver metastasis. As such, the identification of new prognostic biomarkers is critical for developing effective treatment strategies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential of an ultraviolet light response gene signature to predict the prognosis of UVM patients. Our approach involved the development of a prognostic model based on genes associated with the cellular response to UV light. By employing this model, we generated risk scores to stratify patients into high- and low-risk groups. Furthermore, we conducted differential expression analysis between these two groups and explored the estimation of immune infiltration. To validate our findings, we applied our methodology to an independent UVM cohort. Through our study, we introduced a novel survival prediction tool and shed light on the underlying cellular processes within UVM tumors, emphasizing the involvement of immune subsets in tumor progression.
Notes from the Underground: Heme Homeostasis in C. elegans
Authors: Chen Caiyong , Hamza Iqbal
Published: July 2023

Heme is an iron-containing tetrapyrrole that plays a critical role in various biological processes, including oxygen transport, electron transport, signal transduction, and catalysis. However, free heme is hydrophobic and potentially toxic to cells. Organisms have evolved specific pathways to safely transport this essential but toxic macrocycle within and between cells. The bacterivorous soil-dwelling nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a powerful animal model for studying heme-trafficking pathways, as it lacks the ability to synthesize heme but instead relies on specialized trafficking pathways to acquire, distribute, and utilize heme. Over the past 15 years, studies on this microscopic animal have led to the identification of a number of heme-trafficking proteins, with corresponding functional homologs in vertebrates. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the heme-trafficking proteins identified in C. elegans and their corresponding homologs in related organisms.
Norisoboldine, a Natural Isoquinoline Alkaloid, Inhibits Diaphyseal Fracture Healing in Mice by Alleviating Cartilage Formation
Authors: Yan Wenliang , Shen Meng , Sun Kainong , Li Shiming , Miao Jingyuan , Wang Jun , Xu Jiayang , Wen Pengcheng , Zhang Qian
Published: July 2023

Norisoboldine (NOR), the major isoquinoline alkaloid constituent of a Chinese traditional medicine Radix Linderae, has been demonstrated to inhibit osteoclast differentiation and improve arthritis. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of NOR on bone fracture healing and the underlying mechanisms correlated with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) differentiation to chondrocytes. Our results showed that NOR inhibits the tibia fracture healing process by suppressing cartilage formation, which leads to less endochondral ossification, indicated by less osterix and collage I signaling at the fracture site. Moreover, NOR significantly reduced the differentiation of primary BMSCs to chondrocytes in vitro by reducing the bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) signaling. These findings imply that NOR negatively regulates the healing of the tibial midshaft fracture, which might delay the union of the fractures and should be noticed when used in other treatments.
Effects of Progestin on Modulation of the Expression of Biomarkers in Endometriosis
Authors: Matasariu Daniela Roxana , Bausic Alexandra Irma Gabriela , Mandici Cristina Elena , Bujor Iuliana Elena , Cristofor Alexandra Elena , Bratila Elvira , Lozneanu Ludmila , Boiculese Lucian Vasile , Grigore Mihaela , Ursache Alexandra
Published: July 2023

Background: Our study aimed to examine the osteopontin (OPN) serum levels and tissue expression of CD44 and OPN in endometriosis-affected women both undergoing and not undergoing progestin treatment, and also to determine their involvement in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Methods: Using an ELISA kit, we evaluated the OPN serum levels of healthy and endometriosis-affected women both undergoing and not undergoing progestin treatment. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses were used to assess the endometriotic tissue expressions of CD44 and OPN. Results: There were statistically significant higher OPN serum levels in the healthy control group compared to the women with endometriosis. Furthermore, there were higher OPN serum levels in the endometriosis-affected women undergoing the progestin treatment, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. In comparison to OPN, CD44 expression was significantly higher in all the endometriotic tissue glands and stroma, regardless of the patient’s treatment status. Compared to the group receiving therapy, the OPN levels were higher in the endometriosis group not receiving therapy. OPN’s robust cytoplasmic expression seemed to be associated with the non-treatment group. Conclusion: Endometriosis, CD44, and OPN appear to be closely related. This study suggests that endometriosis that has not been treated has an immunological profile distinct to endometriosis that has received treatment.
Endogenous Opioids in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Martyniak Adrian , Wędrychowicz Andrzej , Tomasik Przemysław J.
Published: July 2023

Caring for patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) is a serious challenge in modern medicine. The increasing incidence of CD among adolescents and the severe course of the disease create the need for new methods of diagnosis and therapy. Endogenous opioids are a group of low molecular weight chemical compounds with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Endorphins, enkephalins, and dynorphins may have potentially beneficial effects on the course of CD. Previous research data on this topic are inconsistent. Some authors have reported an increase in the concentration of leukocytes during the course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) while others have described a downward trend, explained by DPP-IV enzyme activity. Even fewer data are available on plasma endo-opioid level. There is also a lack of comprehensive studies that have assessed the endo-opioid system in patients with IBD. Therefore, the objective of this study was to measure the serum concentrations of human β-endorphin, human proenkephalin (A), and human big dynorphin in CD patients in the acute phase of the disease, during hospital treatment, and in the remission state. All determinations were performed using ELISA kits. The results of our study showed that the concentrations of all the tested endo-opioids, especially β-endorphin and proenkephalin (A), were reduced in adolescents with CD compared to those in the healthy control group, during the acute phase of the disease, and in the remission state. Modulation of the endogenous opioid system and the use of selective nonnarcotic agonists of opioid receptors seems to be promising goals in the future treatment of CD.
A Clinical Scale for Rating the Severity of Bulbar Lower Motor Neuron Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Zoccolella Stefano , Giugno Alessia , Milella Giammarco , Filardi Marco , Introna Alessandro , Fraddosio Angela , D’Errico Eustachio , Gnoni Valentina , Tamburrino Ludovica , Urso Daniele , Caputo Francesca , Misceo Salvatore , Logroscino Giancarlo
Published: July 2023

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the progressive loss of upper (UMN) and lower motor neurons (LMN) in four different body regions (bulbar, cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral). Over the past decades, several clinical scoring systems have been developed to assess the UMN and LMN burden in ALS. However, concerning the bulbar LMN burden, the available scoring systems solely assess the presence/absence of bulbar LMN signs without providing a degree of impairment. Therefore, in this study, we proposed a novel scale to stratify subjects with ALS according to the bulbar LMN involvement and assessed its prognostic value. Methods: We developed a four-item scale based on the LMN signs according to the El Escorial criteria. Ten raters, specializing in ALS or neurocognitive disorders, retrospectively applied the scale to the first evaluation of 195 patients with ALS. Cohen’s kappa (Cohen’s k) and an intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to assess the inter-rater reliability. The Kaplan–Mayer estimator was used to estimate survival distribution according to the bulbar scale scores. Results: The raters showed a substantial to excellent agreement with Cohen’s k, ranging from 0.834 to 0.975, with an overall ICC of 0.922 (95% CI = 0.906–0.936). The survival distribution was statistically different across the three bulbar scale scores (χ2(2) = 9.50, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our bulbar LMN scale represents a reliable measure of the bulbar LMN signs in ALS. This easy-to-administer clinical scale could provide unique information in phenotyping and predicting survival in ALS.
Advances in Point-of-Care Testing of microRNAs Based on Portable Instruments and Visual Detection
Authors: Wang Zhong-Yu , Sun Ming-Hui , Zhang Qun , Li Pei-Feng , Wang Kun , Li Xin-Min
Published: July 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs that are approximately 22 nt in length and regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. miRNAs play a vital role in both physiological and pathological processes and are regarded as promising biomarkers for cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and so on. Accurate detection of miRNA expression level in clinical samples is important for miRNA-guided diagnostics. However, the common miRNA detection approaches like RNA sequencing, qRT-PCR, and miRNA microarray are performed in a professional laboratory with complex intermediate steps and are time-consuming and costly, challenging the miRNA-guided diagnostics. Hence, sensitive, highly specific, rapid, and easy-to-use detection of miRNAs is crucial for clinical diagnosis based on miRNAs. With the advantages of being specific, sensitive, efficient, cost-saving, and easy to operate, point-of-care testing (POCT) has been widely used in the detection of miRNAs. For the first time, we mainly focus on summarizing the research progress in POCT of miRNAs based on portable instruments and visual readout methods. As widely available pocket-size portable instruments and visual detection play important roles in POCT, we provide an all-sided discussion of the principles of these methods and their main limitations and challenges, in order to provide a guide for the development of more accurate, specific, and sensitive POCT methods for miRNA detection.
A Systematic Approach to Optimizing Energy-Efficient Automated Systems with Learning Models for Thermal Comfort Control in Indoor Spaces
Authors: Erişen Serdar
Published: July 2023

Energy-efficient automated systems for thermal comfort control in buildings is an emerging research area that has the potential to be considered through a combination of smart solutions. This research aims to explore and optimize energy-efficient automated systems with regard to thermal comfort parameters, energy use, workloads, and their operation for thermal comfort control in indoor spaces. In this research, a systematic approach is deployed, and building information modeling (BIM) software and energy optimization algorithms are applied at first to thermal comfort parameters, such as natural ventilation, to derive the contextual information and compute the building performance of an indoor environment with Internet of Things (IoT) technologies installed. The open-source dataset from the experiment environment is also applied in training and testing unique black box models, which are examined through the users’ voting data acquired via the personal comfort systems (PCS), thus revealing the significance of Fanger’s approach and the relationship between people and their surroundings in developing the learning models. The contextual information obtained via BIM simulations, the IoT-based data, and the building performance evaluations indicated the critical levels of energy use and the capacities of the thermal comfort control systems. Machine learning models were found to be significant in optimizing the operation of the automated systems, and deep learning models were momentous in understanding and predicting user activities and thermal comfort levels for well-being; this can optimize energy use in smart buildings.
Enhancing Ground Improvement of Dredging Landfill in South Korea’s Western Coastal Region: Insights into Dynamic Compaction Characteristics
Authors: Kim Myeonghwan
Published: July 2023

In this study, a dynamic compaction soil box test is performed to analyze the effect of changes in energy according to the pounder tamping number of dynamic compactions on ground improvement. As reproducing the test on the in situ ground is challenging, a 3.0 m × 2.4 m × 1.0 m soil box is used. The number of pounder tamping repetitions of the dynamic compaction is tested in up to six steps, five times at each tamping point. The change in excess pore water pressure appears to begin to converge at step three (Nd = 15) of pounder tamping. The change in pore water pressure with respect to the number of tamping using the finite element analysis program AFIMEX GT-2D is found to have an effect at up to 4.0 m vertically and 3.0 m horizontally, similar to the results of the soil box test. The static cone penetration resistance at each pounder tamping stage increases by 1.3, 1.7, and 1.1 times at step two (Nd = 10), step three (Nd = 15), and step six (Nd = 30) of tamping, respectively. The depth of improvement coefficient (α) ranges from 0.26 to 0.52, with an average of 0.39. The improvement effect of the in situ improved ground can be inferred in advance from the correlation between the number of pounder tamping repetitions, ΔN, and the internal friction angle. Once the ground improvement range is determined, it can be used to determine the in situ dynamic compaction energy (weight of pounder, tamping of height) using the given improvement depth coefficient (α).
Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of Rotational Behavior of Straight Mortise-Tenon Joints Considering Local Compression Perpendicular to Grain
Authors: Liu Xingxing , Lu Weidong , Liu Kaifeng , Xu Fengyan , Ling Zhibin , Yue Kong
Published: July 2023

This paper comprehensively investigates the moment-rotation relationship of straight mortise-tenon joints commonly used in Chinese antique timber buildings, focusing on analyzing the local compression mechanism at the tenon end-mortise and the tenon neck-mortise contact areas. Different compression tests were performed, and the experimental compressive stress-strain curves displayed a typical bi-linear response comprising an elastic increasing response followed by a plastic stage. The specimens subjected to middle local compression tests exhibited higher yield stress, elastic modulus, and plastic modulus than the others. Cyclic loading tests were conducted on twelve mortise-tenon joints with varying lengths, widths, and heights of the tenon to investigate the rotational behavior of the joints under alternating loading directions. The hysteresis curves of the tested specimens generally showed a “Z” shaped pinching effect, indicating limited energy dissipation of the joints during cyclic loading. The length and width of the tenon were observed to have a significant influence on the joint rotational behavior. Finally, a theoretical model was proposed to predict the moment-rotation relationship of the mortise-tenon joint, considering the proposed bilinear stress-strain relationship for wood under compression perpendicular to the grain. The predicted results obtained by the proposed theoretical model were generally validated by the experimental results.
Hydroisomerisation and Hydrocracking of n-Heptane: Modelling and Optimisation Using a Hybrid Artificial Neural Network–Genetic Algorithm (ANN–GA)
Authors: Al-Zaidi Bashir , Al-Shathr Ali , Shehab Amal , Shakor Zaidoon , Majdi Hasan , AbdulRazak Adnan , McGregor James
Published: July 2023

In this paper, the focus is on upgrading the value of naphtha compounds represented by n-heptane (n-C7H16) with zero octane number using a commercial zeolite catalyst consisting of a mixture of 75% HY and 25% HZSM-5 loaded with different amounts, 0.25 to 1 wt.%, of platinum metal. Hydrocracking and hydroisomerisation processes are experimentally and theoretically studied in the temperature range of 300–400 °C and under various contact times. A feedforward artificial neural network (FFANN) based on two hidden layers was used for the purpose of process modelling. A total of 80% of the experimental results was used to train the artificial neural network, with the remaining results being used for evaluation and testing of the network. Tan-sigmoid and log-sigmoid transfer functions were used in the first and second hidden layers, respectively. The optimum number of neurons in hidden layers was determined depending on minimising the mean absolute error (MAE). The best ANN model, represented by the multilayer FFANN, had a 4–24–24–12 topology. The ANN model accurately simulates the process in which the correlation coefficient (R2) was found to be 0.9918, 0.9492, and 0.9426 for training, validation, and testing, respectively, and an average of 0.9767 for all data. In addition, the operating conditions of the process were optimised using the genetic algorithm (GA) towards increasing the octane number of the products. MATLAB® Version 2020a was utilised to complete all required computations and predictions. Optimal operating conditions were found through the theoretical study: 0.85 wt.% Pt-metal loaded, 359.36 °C, 6.562 H2/n-heptane feed ratio, and 3.409 h−1 weight-hourly space velocity (WHSV), through which the maximum octane number (RON) of 106.84 was obtained. Finally, those operating conditions largely matched what was calculated from the results of the experimental study, where the highest percentage of the resulting isomers was found with about 78.7 mol% on the surface of the catalyst loaded with 0.75 wt.% Pt-metal at 350 °C using a feed ratio of 6.5 H2/n-C7 and WHSV of 2.98 h−1.
High-Performance Self-Driven SnSe/Si Heterojunction Photovoltaic Photodetector
Authors: Luo Fuwen , Zhou Hongxi , Liu Yuxuan , Xu Yao , Zhang Zhiheng , Chen Chao , Wang Jun
Published: July 2023

Tin monoselenide (SnSe), which belongs to group IV–VI monochalcogenides, has obtained significant attention in the field of photodetection owing to its ultrahigh carrier mobilities. However, the great challenges of preparing high-quality films and high-performance devices still need to be conquered. Herein, high-density continuous SnSe films were deposited on a Si substrate using magnetron sputtering technology, and a self-driven photovoltaic-type broadband photodetector from the visible light range (VIS) to the near-infrared (NIR) range based on SnSe/Si heterojunction was constructed. Owing to its high carrier mobility, narrow band gap structure, and strong internal electric field, the SnSe/Si heterojunction device exhibits an ultrafast response and high responsivity (R), which achieves a wide spectral response of 405–980 nm. Under zero bias voltage, the greatest R and detectivity (D*) of the heterojunction were 704.6 mA/W and 3.36 × 1011 Jones at 405 nm. Furthermore, the device had a fast response time (rise time) of 20.4 μs at 980 nm of illumination. This work provides a new strategy for the fabrication of high-performance, low-cost, and self-driven photodetectors.
Analytical Tool for Quality Control of Irrigation Waters via a Potentiometric Electronic Tongue
Authors: Miras Marina , Cuartero María , García María Soledad , Ruiz Alberto , Ortuño Joaquín Ángel
Published: July 2023

A potentiometric electronic tongue (ET) for the analysis of well and ditch irrigation water samples is herein proposed. The sensors’ array is composed of six ion-selective electrodes based on plasticized polymeric membranes with low selectivity profiles, i.e., the membranes do not contain any selective receptor. The sensors differ between them in the type of ion-exchanger (sensors for cations or anions) and the plasticizer used in the membrane composition, while the polymeric matrix and the preparation protocol were maintained. The potentiometric response of each sensor towards the main cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+) and anions (HCO3−, Cl−, SO42−, NO3−) expected in irrigation water samples was characterized, revealing a fast response time (<50 s). A total of 19 samples were analyzed with the sensor array at optimized experimental conditions, but, also, a series of complementary analytical techniques were applied to obtain the exact ion composition and conductivity to develop a trustable ET. The principal component analysis of the final potential values of the dynamic response observed with each sensor in the array allows for the differentiation between most of the samples in terms of quality. Furthermore, the ET was treated with a linear multivariate regression method for the quantitative determination of the mentioned ions in the irrigation water samples, revealing rather good prediction of Mg2+, Na+, and Cl− concentrations and acceptable results for the rest of ions. Overall, the ET is a promising analytical tool for irrigation water quality, exceeding traditional characterization approaches (conductivity, salinity, pH, cations, anions, etc.) in terms of overhead costs, versatility, simplicity, and total time for data provision.
Changes in Blood Pressure Variability in Children with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome
Authors: Gu Shuangshuang , Wang Shuo , Wang Yuwen , Zhang Juan , Cai Hong , Zou Runmei , Wang Cheng
Published: July 2023

(1) Objective: In this research, we explored the difference in blood pressure variability (BPV) between children with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and healthy children. Furthermore, we tried to investigate the effect of BPV on POTS and its relationship with prognosis of POTS. (2) Methods: 47 children with POTS (11.2 ± 1.8 years, 23 males) were enrolled in the POTS group and 30 healthy children (10.9 ± 1.9 years, 15 males) were matched for the control group. All participants completed 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (24hABPM). Thirty-three children with POTS were followed up for 52.0 (30.5, 90.5) days and were divided into a response group and a non-response group after evaluation. (3) Results: The 24 h diastolic blood pressure standard deviation (24hDSD), daytime diastolic blood pressure standard deviation (DDSD), nighttime systolic blood pressure standard deviation (NSSD), daytime diastolic blood pressure variation coefficient (DDCV) and nighttime systolic blood pressure variation coefficient (NSCV) in the control group were lower than those in the POTS group (p < 0.05). Percentage of females, age and height were lower in the response group than in the non-response group in children with POTS (p < 0.05). Univariate analysis showed that 24hDSD, DDSD, NSSD, DDCV and NSCV were potential risk factors for POTS, and sex and height were potential risk factors for poor prognosis of POTS. After adjusting for covariates, the risk of POTS increased by 48%, 53% and 49% when DDSD, NSSD and NSCV increased by 1 mmHg, 1 mmHg and 1%, respectively. The risk of poor prognosis in females was 12.99 times higher than that in males. (4) Conclusions: The results suggest that children with POTS may have an abnormal circadian rhythm in blood pressure and increased BPV. DDSD, NSSD and NSCV are independent risk factors for POTS, and being female is an independent risk factor for poor prognosis of POTS.
Direct Parent Engagement to Improve Fundamental Movement Skills in Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Flynn Robert J. , Pringle Andy , Roscoe Clare M. P.
Published: July 2023

Fundamental movement skills (FMS) are basic movements in children that represent the building blocks for more complex motor skill development and act as a prerequisite for enduring sport and physical activity (PA) engagement and positive health-related behaviours. The FMS proficiency is currently inadequate worldwide, and consequently there are alarming levels of inactivity and childhood obesity. However, parents are role models to their children and possess the power to influence their PA behaviour. This review investigated if parent-focused interventions could improve FMS in 2–7-year-old children and evaluated which setting and method of parent engagement was most impactful. Keyword searches were conducted via Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Only nine articles met the inclusion criteria. No research originated from the United Kingdom, highlighting the urgent need for further FMS interventions involving parents. The FMS improved in all nine studies, with significant changes in seven of the articles (p < 0.05). Parent–child co-activity, the education and empowerment of parents, and the provision of clear FMS guidance, messaging, and structure can positively influence children’s FMS. Recently, smartphone apps have increased the feasibility and accessibility of FMS practice at home and may be integral to future interventions. Further research with direct parental involvement is clearly warranted.