bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Limited Additive Diagnostic Impact of Isolated Gastrointestinal Involvement for the Triage of Children with Suspected COVID-19
Authors: Caselli Désirée , Cafagno Claudio , Loconsole Daniela , Giannini Annamaria , Tansella Francesco , Saracino Annalisa , Chironna Maria , Aricò Maurizio
Published: January 2022

The strategy for the selection of patients with a suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection is relevant for the organization of a children’s hospital to provide optimal separation into COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 areas and pathways. We analyzed the proportion of children with COVID-19 presenting with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in 137 consecutive patients admitted between January 2020 and August 2021. GI symptoms were present as follows: diarrhea in 35 patients (26%), vomiting in 16 (12%), and both of them in five (3%); the combination of fever, respiratory symptoms, and diarrhea was observed in 16 patients (12%). Of the 676 adult patients with COVID-19 admitted to our hospital in the same time interval, 62 (9.2%) had diarrhea, 30 (4.4%) had vomiting, and 11 (1.6%) had nausea; only one patient, a 38-year-old male, presented with isolated GI symptoms at the diagnosis. Although diarrhea was observed in one quarter of cases, one-half of them had the complete triad of fever, respiratory syndrome, and diarrhea, and only five had isolated diarrhea, of which two were diagnosed with a Campylobacter infection. The occurrence of either respiratory symptoms or gastrointestinal symptoms in our patients was not related to the patient age, while younger children were more likely to have a fever. Of the 137 patients, 73 (53%) could be tested for their serum level of SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG antibodies. The observed titer ranged between 0 (n = 3) and 1729 BAU/mL (median, 425 BAU/mL). Of 137 consecutive patients with COVID-19 admitted to our referral children’s hospital, only three presented with an isolated GI manifestation. It is interesting to note that this finding turned out to be fully in keeping with what was observed on adult patients with COVID-19 in our hospital. The additive diagnostic impact of gastrointestinal involvement for the triage of children with suspected COVID-19 appears limited.
The Impact of Weekday-to-Weekend Sleep Differences on Health Outcomes among Adolescent Students
Authors: Kim Jinseok , Noh Jin-Won , Kim Ahraemi , Kwon Young Dae
Published: January 2022

The sleep difference between weekdays and weekends can lead to negative physical and mental health outcomes in adolescents. Thus, this study has attempted to analyze the impact of sleep time differences on various health outcomes, using nationally representative panel data. Data from the junior high school student panel of the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey were analyzed. The sleep difference was defined as the difference between the average sleep duration on weekdays and that on weekends in minutes. A series of mixed effect linear regression models for continuous variables or mixed effect logit regression for binary variables was utilized. Korean adolescent students reported from 96.8 min to 133.2 min of sleep duration difference between weekdays and weekends. After controlling for gender, parent work status, and type of housing, the weekday-to-weekend sleep differences were associated with various health-related outcomes including concentration difficulty, aggression, somatic symptoms, and withdrawal. Additionally, adolescent student life satisfaction was associated with sleep difference. The sleep differences among adolescent students were more associated with mental health-related outcomes and emotional symptoms than with physical health-related outcomes. The appropriate intervention to reduce the sleep difference gap is an important key to improve health in the adolescence period.
Delivery Room ST Segment Analysis to Predict Short Term Outcomes in Near-Term and Term Newborns
Authors: Linde Jørgen , Solevåg Anne Lee , Eilevstjønn Joar , Blacy Ladislaus , Kidanto Hussein , Ersdal Hege , Klingenberg Claus
Published: January 2022

Background: ST-segment changes to the fetal electrocardiogram (ECG) may indicate fetal acidosis. No large-scale characterization of ECG morphology immediately after birth has been performed, but ECG is used for heart rate (HR) assessment. We aimed to investigate ECG morphology immediately after birth in asphyxiated infants, using one-lead dry-electrode ECG developed for HR measurement. Methods: Observational study in Tanzania, between 2013–2018. Near-term and term infants that received bag-mask ventilation (BMV), and healthy controls, were monitored with one-lead dry-electrode ECG with a non-diagnostic bandwidth. ECGs were classified as normal, with ST-elevations or other ST-segment abnormalities including a biphasic ST-segment. We analyzed ECG morphology in relation to perinatal variables or short-term outcomes. Results: A total of 494 resuscitated and 25 healthy infants were included. ST-elevations were commonly seen both in healthy infants (7/25; 28%) and resuscitated (320/494; 65%) infants. The apparent ST-elevations were not associated with perinatal variables or short-term outcomes. Among the 32 (6.4%) resuscitated infants with “other ST-segment abnormalities”, duration of BMV was longer, 1-min Apgar score lower and normal outcomes less frequent than in the resuscitated infants with normal ECG or ST-elevations. Conclusions: ST-segment elevation was commonly seen and not associated with negative outcomes when using one-lead dry-electrode ECG. Other ST-segment abnormalities were associated with prolonged BMV and worse outcome. ECG with appropriate bandwidth and automated analysis may potentially in the future aid in the identification of severely asphyxiated infants.
Effects of Grinding Aids Used in Grinding Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) Filler on the Properties of Water-Based Interior Paints
Authors: Ersoy Orkun , Güler Dilek , Rençberoğlu Murat
Published: January 2022

Grinding aid chemicals which are used in the grinding of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) to prevent agglomeration are chemisorbed on the surfaces of particles, and the compatibility of them with the solvent, water, or organic resin affects the dispersion of the minerals and ultimately down-stream product properties in consumer industries such as paint, papermaking, and plastic. This study tries to explain the effects of triethanolamine (TEA) and monoethylene glycol (MEG), which are most commonly used as grinding aids, on the behavior of CaCO3 in water-based paints and on the properties of the paints. The powder properties of CaCO3 (grain size, color, surface area, oil absorption capacity, zeta potential, etc.) were characterized, and the changes in the can stability, ease of application, and optical properties (gloss, opacity) of the paints were revealed with rheological and optical analysis. It was observed that amine compounds remained in higher amounts on the CaCO3 surface and created negative results in the paint. On the other hand, glycol compound adhered less on the CaCO3 surface and affected the properties of the final product less than the amine compound. Therefore, CaCO3 ground without using any chemicals gives the best results in terms of long-term stability, ease of application, and visuality of the paint.
CNT-ZnO Core-Shell Photoanodes for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Prasadam Vasu Prasad , Huerta Flores Ali Margot , Audinot Jean-Nicolas , Bahlawane Naoufal
Published: January 2022

Solar-driven water splitting is a promising route toward clean H2 energy and the photoelectrochemical approach attracts a strong interest. The oxygen evolution reaction is widely accepted as the performance limiting stage in this technology, which emphasizes the need of innovative anode materials. Metal oxide semiconductors are relevant in this respect owing to their cost-effectiveness and broad availability. The combination of chemical vapor deposition and atomic layer deposition was implemented in this study for the synthesis of randomly oriented CNT-ZnO core-shell nanostructures forming an adhering porous coating. Relative to a directly coated ZnO on Si, the porous structure enables a high interface area with the electrolyte and a resulting 458% increase of the photocurrent density under simulated solar light irradiation. The photoelectrochemical characterization correlates this performance to the effective electrons withdrawing along the carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and the resulting decrease of the onset potential. In terms of durability, the CNT-ZnO core–shell structure features an enhanced photo-corrosion stability for 8 h under illumination and with a voltage bias.
A Review of Intelligent Sensor-Based Systems for Pressure Ulcer Prevention
Authors: Silva Arlindo , Metrôlho José , Ribeiro Fernando , Fidalgo Filipe , Santos Osvaldo , Dionisio Rogério
Published: January 2022

Pressure ulcers are a critical issue not only for patients, decreasing their quality of life, but also for healthcare professionals, contributing to burnout from continuous monitoring, with a consequent increase in healthcare costs. Due to the relevance of this problem, many hardware and software approaches have been proposed to ameliorate some aspects of pressure ulcer prevention and monitoring. In this article, we focus on reviewing solutions that use sensor-based data, possibly in combination with other intrinsic or extrinsic information, processed by some form of intelligent algorithm, to provide healthcare professionals with knowledge that improves the decision-making process when dealing with a patient at risk of developing pressure ulcers. We used a systematic approach to select 21 studies that were thoroughly reviewed and summarized, considering which sensors and algorithms were used, the most relevant data features, the recommendations provided, and the results obtained after deployment. This review allowed us not only to describe the state of the art regarding the previous items, but also to identify the three main stages where intelligent algorithms can bring meaningful improvement to pressure ulcer prevention and mitigation. Finally, as a result of this review and following discussion, we drew guidelines for a general architecture of an intelligent pressure ulcer prevention system.
Semi-Experimental Determination of the Linear Clamped Electro-Optical Coefficients of Polar Crystals from Vibrational Spectroscopic Data
Authors: Bouhari Eric , Mohamadou Ballo , Bourson Patrice
Published: January 2022

The present work highlights a new general method devoted to computations of the clamped linear electro-optical coefficients from the measured fundamental vibrational frequencies and the nonlinear dielectric susceptibility constants. The calculations are based on the formula analog to that of the Lyddane–Sachs–Teller relation, which is systematically used for the calculations of the clamped linear electro-optical coefficient of oxide ferroelectric crystals such as LiNbO3, LiTaO3, BaTiO3, PbTiO3, and KNbO3. The computed electro-optical coefficients are in good agreement with those obtained from direct measurements and the first-principles calculations or other semi-empirical models. In addition, the famous r51 or r42 coefficients of the tetragonal BaTiO3, PbTiO3, and KNbO3 crystals are finally calculated with high accuracy and discussed in connection with the soft mode behavior.
Coal Fly Ash as Raw Material for Immobilization of Sr-Contaminated Soil by Microwave Heating: Mechanism and Performance
Authors: Xie Yupeng , Zhu Ailian , Chen Min , Dai Bing , Wang Bin , Liu Yong
Published: January 2022

In this work, coal fly ash, hereinafter CFA is proposed to work as raw material for immobilization of Sr-contaminated soil by microwave sintering in the path towards resource utilization of solid waste. The immobilization mechanism and performance was systemically investigated through phase evolution, microstructure, elemental distribution, and physical properties. The results shown that the Sr could be incorporated into feldspar strontian (SrAl2Si2O8) at 1300 °C for 30 min. Moreover, the maximum solid solubility of SrSO4 was more than 30 wt.%. The Sr was homogeneously distributed in the sintered matrices without substantial enrichment. The sintered matrix exhibited high density (2.53 g/cm3). Thus, microwave heating coupled with CFA could provide a new method for immobilization of Sr-contaminated soil in case of the spent nuclear reprocessing cycle in nuclear power plants or a nuclear accident emergency.
The Influence of Thermal Dilution on the Microstructure Evolution of Some Combustion-Synthesized Refractory Ceramic Composites
Authors: Aydinyan Sofiya , Kharatyan Suren , Hussainova Irina
Published: January 2022

Modeling the self-sustained high-temperature synthesis (SHS) reaction via thermal dilution and transformation of the reaction heterogeneous media into a moderate exothermic one has unlimited potential for designing inorganic powders of a certain morphology beneficial for advanced consolidation. Thermal/inert dilution of the high-exothermic mixtures leads to the fluent decrease of both the combustion temperature and velocity, thus allowing to tailor the thermal regime of the combustion process, therewith contributing to high yield of reaction and governing the microstructural features of the combustion products. In the current review, we shed on light on the possibilities of this effective strategy to control the thermal behavior of the SHS process for the preparation of applicable powder precursors for the subsequent successful sintering. Since the SHS process of some refractory ceramics (MoSi2, TiB2, TiC, etc.) involves a relatively violent reaction rate and high combustion temperature, achieving a high level of microstructure control in these systems is often challenging. The challenge was tackled with a thermal dilution approach, attaining considerable enhancement in the homogeneity among phases with an increase of diluent content along with microstructure refinement.
Conditional Covariances for the Signal Lag Measurements in Fluoroscopic Imaging
Authors: Lee Eunae , Kim Dong Sik
Published: January 2022

In fluoroscopic imaging, we can acquire X-ray image sequences using a flat-panel dynamic detector. However, lag signals from previous frames are added to the subsequently acquired images and produce lag artifacts. The lag signals also inflate the measured noise power spectrum (NPS) of a detector. In order to correct the measured NPS, the lag correction factor (LCF) is generally used. However, the nonuniform temporal gain (NTG), which is from inconsistent X-ray sources and readout circuits, can significantly distort the LCF measurements. In this paper, we propose a simple scheme to alleviate the NTG problem in order to accurately and efficiently measure the detector LCF. We first theoretically analyze the effects of NTG, especially on the correlation-based LCF measurement methods, where calculating the correlation coefficients are required. In order to remove the biases due to NTG, a notion of conditional covariance is considered for unbiased estimates of the correlation coefficients. Experiments using practical X-ray images acquired from a dynamic detector were conducted. The proposed approach could yield accurate LCF values similarly to the current approaches of the direct and U-L corrections with a low computational complexity. By calculating the correlation coefficients based on conditional covariance, we could obtain accurate LCF values even under the NTG environment. This approach does not require any preprocessing scheme of the direct or U-L correction and can provide further accurate LCF values than the method of IEC62220-1-3 does.
Fetal Ovarian Cysts: Prenatal Diagnosis Using Ultrasound and MRI, Management and Postnatal Outcome—Our Centers Experience
Authors: Rotar Ioana Cristina , Tudorache Stefania , Staicu Adelina , Popa-Stanila Roxana , Constantin Roxana , Surcel Mihai , Zaharie Gabriela Corina , Mureşan Daniel
Published: January 2022

The present study provides our clinical experience regarding the imaging diagnosis, management and postnatal outcome of neonates prenatally suspected of having developed ovarian cysts. This multicenter observational study included patients diagnosed prenatally with fetal ovarian cysts and follow-up in the postnatal period. Descriptive statistics were used to render the information regarding the prenatal imaging aspect of the fetal pelvic masses using ultrasound and/or MRI, prenatal surveillance and postnatal neonate’s immediate outcome, indications leading to surgery and pathologic aspect. The inclusion criteria were fulfilled by 21 patients. The mean gestational age at the time of initial diagnosis was 31.28 weeks of gestation (WG). Only five out of 21 cysts regressed completely during pregnancy without postnatal complications. In addition, 11 out of 21 infant’s required surgical treatment in the first two weeks after birth, mainly for ovarian torsion. Five out of 21 neonates were referred to postnatal follow-up clinically and by ultrasound, but three out of five cases required emergency surgical treatment for acute complications. Ultrasound plays a major role in the diagnostic of fetal ovarian cyst. From our experience, MRI does not bring supplementary data or change the management. Spontaneous resolution of fetal ovarian cysts is to be expected but the ovarian mass could lead to serious complications, if resolution does not occur in due time.
Premenopausal Singaporean Women Suffering from Major Depressive Disorder Treated with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors Had Similar Bone Mineral Density as Compared with Healthy Controls
Authors: Ho Roger C. , Chua Anna N. , Husain Syeda Fabeha , Tan Wanqiu , Hao Fengyi , Vu Giang T. , Tran Bach X. , Nguyen Hien Thu , McIntyre Roger S. , Ho Cyrus S.
Published: January 2022

The association between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment and lower bone mineral density (BMD) remains controversial, and further research is required. This study aimed to compare the BMD, levels of bone formation and bone metabolism markers in medicated premenopausal Singaporean women with major depressive disorder (MDD) and matched healthy controls. We examined 45 women with MDD who received SSRI treatment (mean age: 37.64 ± 7) and 45 healthy controls (mean age: 38.1 ± 9.2). BMD at the lumbar spine, total hip and femoral neck were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. We also measured bone formation markers, procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) and bone metabolism markers, osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa-Β ligand (RANKL). There were no significant differences in the mean BMD in the lumbar spine (healthy controls: 1.04 ± 0.173 vs. MDD patients: 1.024 ± 0.145, p = 0.617, left hip (healthy controls: 0.823 ± 0.117 vs. MDD patients: 0.861 ± 0.146, p = 0.181) and right hip (healthy controls: 0.843 ± 0.117 vs. MDD patients: 0.85 ± 0.135, p = 0.784) between healthy controls and medicated patients with MDD. There were no significant differences in median P1NP (healthy controls: 35.9 vs. MDD patients: 37.3, p = 0.635), OPG (healthy controls: 2.6 vs. MDD patients: 2.7, p = 0.545), RANKL (healthy controls: 23.4 vs. MDD patients: 2178.93, p = 0.279) and RANKL/OPG ratio (healthy controls: 4.1 vs. MDD patients: 741.4, p = 0.279) between healthy controls and medicated patients with MDD. Chronic SSRI treatment might not be associated with low BMD in premenopausal Singaporean women who suffered from MDD. This finding may help female patients with MDD make an informed decision when considering the risks and benefits of SSRI treatment.
Correlation of Blood and Salivary pH Levels in Healthy, Gingivitis, and Periodontitis Patients before and after Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy
Authors: Koppolu Pradeep , Sirisha Sunkara , Penala Soumya , Reddy Pathakota Krishnajaneya , Alotaibi Dalal H. , Abusalim Ghadah Salim , Lingam Amara Swapna , Mukhtar Areej H. , Barakat Ali , AlMokhatieb Ahmed A.
Published: January 2022

Periodontitis is an infectious illness which leads to the inflammation of protective tissues around the teeth and the continuous loss of alveolar bone and conjunctive tissue. Biomarker analysis in serum and saliva helps in the evaluation of disease progression and activity. It is also established that every inflammatory change along with resultant damage of tissues ends up in altered pH values in the fluids and tissues. Aim: To correlate the connection of pH levels in both blood as well as saliva in healthy, periodontitis, and gingivitis patients. Materials and Methods: The current research involved 145 subjects amidst the age of 20 and 55 years. The subjects were split into three different groups: healthy (Group A), gingivitis (Group B), and finally chronic periodontitis (Group C). The recording of clinical parameters was done by gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and plaque index (PI). pH of saliva and blood was analyzed with the help of digital single electrode pH meter. Subjects have gone through scaling and root planning (SRP) coupled with the instructions of oral hygiene. They were recalled post 4 weeks, and saliva and blood samples were gathered for analyzing pH. Results: Clinical parameters GI and PI were statistically important in both group C as well as group B post SRP. A crucial change has been observed in attachment levels (AL) and PD in the case of periodontitis group post SRP. The difference in the salivary pH values were significant between group B vs. C and A vs. C before the treatment because the values for group C were acidic, whereas in groups B and A the pH was alkaline. After the treatment, the values were still significant because the pH has become more alkaline compared to preoperative value in both group B and C. Saliva’s pH levels have demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in group C post SRP. Conclusion: Salivary pH levels and blood evidently became alkaline in the group C patients post SRP and there is a positive correlation between them and the clinical parameters.
Sarcopenia, Precardial Adipose Tissue and High Tumor Volume as Outcome Predictors in Surgically Treated Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Verhoek Oliver Guido , Jungblut Lisa , Lauk Olivia , Blüthgen Christian , Opitz Isabelle , Frauenfelder Thomas , Martini Katharina
Published: January 2022

Background: We evaluated the prognostic value of Sarcopenia, low precardial adipose-tissue (PAT), and high tumor-volume in the outcome of surgically-treated pleural mesothelioma (PM). Methods: From 2005 to 2020, consecutive surgically-treated PM-patients having a pre-operative computed tomography (CT) scan were retrospectively included. Sarcopenia was assessed by CT-based parameters measured at the level of the fifth thoracic vertebra (TH5) by excluding fatty-infiltration based on CT-attenuation. The findings were stratified for gender, and a threshold of the 33rd percentile was set to define sarcopenia. Additionally, tumor volume as well as PAT were measured. The findings were correlated with progression-free survival and long-term mortality. Results: Two-hundred-seventy-eight PM-patients (252 male; 70.2 ± 9 years) were included. The mean progression-free survival was 18.6 ± 12.2 months, and the mean survival time was 23.3 ± 24 months. Progression was associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (p = <0.001), tumor-stage (p = 0.001), and type of surgery (p = 0.026). Three-year mortality was associated with higher patient age (p = 0.005), presence of COPD (p < 0.001), higher tumor-stage (p = 0.015), and higher tumor-volume (p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier statistics showed that sarcopenic patients have a higher three-year mortality (p = 0.002). While there was a negative correlation of progression-free survival and mortality with tumor volume (r = 0.281, p = 0.001 and r = −0.240, p < 0.001; respectively), a correlation with PAT could only be shown for epithelioid PM (p = 0.040). Conclusions: Sarcopenia as well as tumor volume are associated with long-term mortality in surgically treated PM-patients. Further, while there was a negative correlation of progression-free survival and mortality with tumor volume, a correlation with PAT could only be shown for epithelioid PM.
Deep Learning-Based Four-Region Lung Segmentation in Chest Radiography for COVID-19 Diagnosis
Authors: Kim Young-Gon , Kim Kyungsang , Wu Dufan , Ren Hui , Tak Won Young , Park Soo Young , Lee Yu Rim , Kang Min Kyu , Park Jung Gil , Kim Byung Seok , Chung Woo Jin , Kalra Mannudeep K. , Li Quanzheng
Published: January 2022

Imaging plays an important role in assessing the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia. Recent COVID-19 research indicates that the disease progress propagates from the bottom of the lungs to the top. However, chest radiography (CXR) cannot directly provide a quantitative metric of radiographic opacities, and existing AI-assisted CXR analysis methods do not quantify the regional severity. In this paper, to assist the regional analysis, we developed a fully automated framework using deep learning-based four-region segmentation and detection models to assist the quantification of COVID-19 pneumonia. Specifically, a segmentation model is first applied to separate left and right lungs, and then a detection network of the carina and left hilum is used to separate upper and lower lungs. To improve the segmentation performance, an ensemble strategy with five models is exploited. We evaluated the clinical relevance of the proposed method compared with the radiographic assessment of the quality of lung edema (RALE) annotated by physicians. Mean intensities of segmented four regions indicate a positive correlation to the regional extent and density scores of pulmonary opacities based on the RALE. Therefore, the proposed method can accurately assist the quantification of regional pulmonary opacities of COVID-19 pneumonia patients.
Knowledge and Attitude towards Orthodontic Treatment among Non-Orthodontic Specialists: An Online Survey in Croatia
Authors: Brkanović Sandra , Lapter Varga Marina , Meštrović Senka
Published: January 2022

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the knowledge and attitudes towards orthodontic treatment among non-orthodontic specialists. Methods: A web-based survey was formulated for non-orthodontic dental specialists to respond to statements regarding an orthodontic treatment. It contained 20 multiple-choice questions with three or more possible answers. Two hundred and fifty questionnaires were sent via email, with explanatory letters, to randomly selected non-orthodontic Croatian dental specialists. Data were assessed using IBAM SPSS 23.0. and p < 0.01 was considered significant. Results: The results indicate that the majority of respondents were well informed about principles and practices in orthodontics. All the respondents (100%) were aware that malocclusions can affect a patient’s facial aesthetic and masticatory function. The results also showed statistically significant differences in answers about contraindications for orthodontics therapy among different non-orthodontic specialists (p < 0.01). Private health practitioners were better informed about the ideal time for the first orthodontic appointment (74.2%) and that implants and periodontal problems are not contraindications for orthodontic treatment (over 70%), in comparison with public health practitioners. Conclusion: Non-orthodontic specialists in this sample exhibit encouraging awareness and knowledge of the principals and practices of orthodontic treatment. Additional improving of practitioners’ knowledge and awareness can help patients with malocclusion to decide upon orthodontic treatment at earlier stages and avoid later complications in the future.
Central Role of C2H2-Type Zinc Finger-Containing Genes in Pediatric Brain Tumors
Authors: Kanakoglou Dimitrios S. , Pampalou Andromachi , Malakou Lina S. , Lakiotaki Eleftheria , Loupis Theodoros , Vrachnos Dimitrios M. , Glekas Panayiotis D. , Klonou Alexia , Giannopoulou Angeliki-Ioanna , Carpenter Madison , Korkolopoulou Penelope , Piperi Christina
Published: January 2022

Zinc fingers consist of one of the most abundant motifs in transcription factors and DNA-binding proteins. Recent studies provide evidence on the pathological implication of zinc finger proteins in various neurodevelopmental disorders and malignancies but their role in pediatric brain tumors is largely unexplored. To this end, we investigated the differential expression of zinc finger-containing genes along with relevant biological processes and pathways among four main brain tumor categories (pilocytic astrocytomas, ependymomas, medulloblastomas and glioblastomas). By employing an extended bioinformatic toolset, we performed a preliminary in silico study in order to identify the expression of zinc finger-containing genes and associated functions in pediatric brain tumors. Our data analysis reveals the prominent role of C2H2-type zinc finger-containing genes in the molecular mechanisms underlying pediatric brain tumors followed by the Ring and PHD finger types. Significant dysregulation of ABLIM2 and UHFR1 genes was detected in all tumor types drawing attention to the dysregulation of cell polarization process and Ubiquitin-Proteasome System (UPS) in the pathogenesis of pediatric brain tumors. Moreover, significant gene clustering was observed in multiple locations with two highly visible clusters revealing a contrast in gene regulation between medulloblastomas and the other three brain tumor types, indicating a promising area of future research.
Measuring Technological Change through an Extended Structural Decomposition Analysis: An Application to EU-28 Primary Sectors (2010–2015)
Authors: Pereira-López Xesús , Węgrzyńska Małgorzata Anna , Sánchez-Chóez Napoleón Guillermo
Published: January 2022

This paper addresses the input–output structural decomposition for an economic analysis. The objective is to determine the causes of changes in production in these sectors with a particular focus on disaggregating the technological change by distribution factors associated with a specific normalization of the Leontief inverse. In calculating the net multipliers, an attempt was made to exclude each sectors’ own consumption in a satisfactory manner. However, the treatment of own consumption when introducing a time factor requires further investigation to avoid questionable measurements. An empirical application is presented regarding agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors in six EU-28 countries (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain) over the 2010–2015 period. In general, a typical characteristic of primary sectors is the accumulation of a significant amount of their own consumption, facilitated by the design of their own symmetric accounting methods. Therefore, attention is focused on these sectors so as to reveal possible analysis techniques that will provide nuance or validate existing techniques.
Development of Enhanced Range, High Q, Passive, Chipless RFID Tags for Continuous Monitoring and Sensing Applications
Authors: S Aiswarya , Menon Sreedevi , Donelli Massimo
Published: January 2022

A high Q planar chipless RFID tag with high sensitivity is proposed for communication applications. In particular, the tag structure is composed of a complementary spiral structure (CSS) that is able to provide high sensitivity and compactness. A semi analytical formula for the design of a single bit tag is derived, and the behaviour of the CSS is analysed for different dielectric substrates. Different tags, composed of up to a set of eight resonators, have been numerically and experimentally assessed. In particular, a system prototype composed of a reader and a set of tags are fabricated and experimentally assessed as a proof of concept. The system provided an operative range of tens of centimetres (a maximum operative range of 65 cm). The obtained results are quite promising and the agreement between simulated and measured results are found to be good.
SRAM-Based PUF Reliability Prediction Using Cell-Imbalance Characterization in the State Space Diagram
Authors: Torrens Gabriel , Alheyasat Abdel , Alorda Bartomeu , Bota Sebastià A.
Published: January 2022

This work proposes a methodology to estimate the statistical distribution of the probability that a 6T bit-cell starts up to a given logic value in SRAM memories for PUF applications. First, the distribution is obtained experimentally in a 65-nm CMOS device. As this distribution cannot be reproduced by electrical simulation, we explore the use of an alternative parameter defined as the distance between the origin and the separatrix in the bit-cell state space to quantify the mismatch of the cell. The resulting distribution of this parameter obtained from Monte Carlo simulations is then related to the start-up probability distribution using a two-component logistic function. The reported results show that the proposed imbalance factor is a good predictor for PUF-related reliability estimation with the advantage that can be applied at the early design stages.
Determining the Intensity of Basic Emotions among People Suffering from Anorexia Nervosa Based on Free Statements about Their Body
Authors: Barańska Klaudia , Różańska Agnieszka , Maćkowska Stella , Rojewska Katarzyna , Spinczyk Dominik
Published: January 2022

Objective: This study sought to address one of the challenges of psychiatry-computer aided diagnosis and therapy of anorexia nervosa. The goal of the paper is to present a method of determining the intensity of five emotions (happiness, sadness, anxiety, anger and disgust) in medical notes, which was then used to analyze the feelings of people suffering from anorexia nervosa. In total, 96 notes were researched (46 from people suffering from anorexia and 52 from healthy people). Method: The developed solution allows a comprehensive assessment of the intensity of five feelings (happiness, sadness, anxiety, anger and disgust) occurring in text notes. This method implements Nencki Affective Word List dictionary extension, in which the original version has a limited vocabulary. The method was tested on a group of patients suffering from anorexia nervosa and a control group (healthy people without an eating disorder). Of the analyzed medical, only 8% of the words are in the original dictionary. Results: As a result of the study, two emotional profiles were obtained: one pattern for a healthy person and one for a person suffering from anorexia nervosa. Comparing the average emotional intensity in profiles of a healthy person and person with a disorder, a higher value of happiness intensity is noticeable in the profile of a healthy person than in the profile of a person with an illness. The opposite situation occurs with other emotions (sadness, anxiety, disgust, anger); they reach higher values in the case of the profile of a person suffering from anorexia nervosa. Discussion: The presented method can be used when observing the patient’s progress during applied therapy. It allows us to state whether the chosen method has a positive effect on the mental state of the patient, and if his emotional profile is similar to the emotional profile of a healthy person. The method can also be used during first diagnosis visit.
Facial Skincare Products’ Recommendation with Computer Vision Technologies
Authors: Lin Ting-Yu , Chan Hung-Tse , Hsia Chih-Hsien , Lai Chin-Feng
Published: January 2022

Acne is a skin issue that plagues many young people and adults. Even if it is cured, it leaves acne spots or acne scars, which drives many individuals to use skincare products or undertake medical treatment. On the contrary, the use of inappropriate skincare products can exacerbate the condition of the skin. In view of this, this work proposes the use of computer vision (CV) technology to realize a new business model of facial skincare products. The overall framework is composed of a finger vein identification system, skincare products’ recommendation system, and electronic payment system. A finger vein identification system is used as identity verification and personalized service. A skincare products’ recommendation system provides consumers with professional skin analysis through skin type classification and acne detection to recommend skincare products that finally improve skin issues of consumers. An electronic payment system provides a variety of checkout methods, and the system will check out by finger-vein connections according to membership information. Experimental results showed that the equal error rate (EER) comparison of the FV-USM public database on the finger-vein system was the lowest and the response time was the shortest. Additionally, the comparison of the skin type classification accuracy was the highest.
Lab Scale Extracted Conditions of Polyphenols from Thinned Peach Fruit Have Antioxidant, Hypoglycemic, and Hypolipidemic Properties
Authors: Dai Kun , Wei Yingying , Jiang Shu , Xu Feng , Wang Hongfei , Zhang Xin , Shao Xingfeng
Published: January 2022

Thinned peach polyphenols (TPPs) were extracted by ultrasonic disruption and purified using macroporous resin. Optimized extraction conditions resulted in a TPPs yield of 1.59 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g FW, and optimized purification conditions resulted in a purity of 43.86% with NKA-9 resin. TPPs composition was analyzed by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS; chlorogenic acid, catechin, and neochlorogenic acid were the most abundant compounds in thinned peaches. Purified TPPs exhibited scavenging activity on DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl radical, and FRAP. TPPs inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase by competitive and noncompetitive reversible inhibition, respectively. TPPs also exhibited a higher binding capacity for bile acids than cholestyramine. In summary, TPPs from thinned peaches are potentially valuable because of their high antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic capacities, and present a new incentive for the comprehensive utilization of thinned peach fruit.
Biochemical Characterization of Traditional Varieties of Apricots (Prunus armeniaca L.) of the Campania Region, Southern Italy
Authors: Fratianni Florinda , d’Acierno Antonio , Albanese Donatella , Matteo Marisa Di , Coppola Raffaele , Nazzaro Filomena
Published: January 2022

Campania is the most important region of Italy in the apricot cultivation, present mostly in the Vesuvio area. At least to the best of our knowledge, no studies are reporting the biochemical characterization of the considerable number of traditional apricot varieties present on this territory, including the qualitative and quantitative profile of the polyphenols present. Our work evaluated the content of β-carotene, total phenolics, phenolic profiles, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity of 23 traditional varieties of apricots of the Campania region. Principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted that, in the two main groups, the antioxidant activity was strongly affected by the content of ascorbic acid (−0.89), or slightly affected by the content of total polyphenols (−0.67), respect to the content of ascorbic acid (−0.55), never by β-carotene. Chlorogenic acid (up to 55.07 μg g−1) and catechin (up to 96.15 μg g−1) resulted the most abundant polyphenols recognized through the chromatographic analysis. PCA, extended to the polyphenol profile, confirmed the distribution of the varieties in two large groups, evidencing once again the hierarchical distance of four varieties (“Panzona”, “Paolona” “Baracca” and “Boccucia Eboli”) compared to the others.
Energy and Exergy Analyses of Rice Drying in a Novel Electric Stationary Bed Grain-Drying System with Internal Circulation of the Drying Medium
Authors: Wang Guiying , Wu Wenfu , Fu Daping , Xu Wen , Xu Yan , Zhang Yaqiu
Published: January 2022

In our study, we developed a system to reduce both energy consumption and pollutant discharge during the drying process. We present a new technology, a stationary bed grain-drying test device based on the internal circulation of the drying medium (ICODM). A rice-drying experiment was carried out inside of it, and the influences of air temperature (AT) and air velocity (AV) on the energy and exergy efficiencies (EEE) as well as the improvement potential rate (IPR) and the sustainability index (SI) of the rice-drying process were studied. The following conclusions were obtained: when the rice was dried at a temperature of below 55 °C and an AV across the grain layer of 0.5 m/s, the average EEE during the drying process was 48.27–72.17% and 40.27–71.07%, respectively, demonstrating an increasing trend as the drying medium temperature increased. When the rice was dried using an AV across the grain layer in the range of 0.33–0.5 m/s and a temperature of 40 °C, the two values were 39.79–73.9% and 49.66–71.04%, respectively, demonstrating a decreasing trend as the drying medium flow velocity increased. IPR and SI were 4.1–8.5 J/s and 1.9–2.7, respectively, at a drying temperature of 30–55 °C and an AV of 0.33–0.5 m/s. These conclusions can provide helpful guidance for the optimization and control of the rice-drying process in terms of saving energy.
The Effect of Cooking Method and Cooked Color on Consumer Acceptability of Boneless Pork Chops
Authors: Honegger Lauren T. , Bryan Erin E. , Price Hannah E. , Ruth Taylor K. , Boler Dustin D. , Dilger Anna C.
Published: January 2022

The objective was to determine the effects of sous-vide cooking and degree of doneness on consumer eating experience of pork chops when cooked color was expected to differ. The hypothesis was consumers would prefer a cooked brown color and would rate grilled chops more acceptable than sous-vide chops. Chops were cooked to 63 °C or 71 °C using either an open-hearth grill or a sous-vide device. Participants evaluated four samples for tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and overall acceptability. Participants rated a greater percentage of chops cooked sous-vide at 63 °C as tender (82.82%), juicy (55.83%) and acceptable (60.34%) compared with all other cooking method and degree of doneness combinations. Participants rated a greater percentage of sous-vide chops as tender and acceptable compared to grilled chops. Participants rated a greater percentage of chops cooked to 63 °C as tender, juicy, flavorful, and acceptable when compared to 71 °C. Even when participants could visualize cooked color, they preferred chops cooked to 63 °C compared with chops cooked to 71 °C. Overall, participants preferred chops cooked to 63 °C compared to 71 °C regardless of the cooking method and preferred chops cooked to 63 °C using the sous-vide cooking method the most among all treatments.
Bioproduction of 2-Phenylethanol through Yeast Fermentation on Synthetic Media and on Agro-Industrial Waste and By-Products: A Review
Authors: Mitri Sara , Koubaa Mohamed , Maroun Richard G. , Rossignol Tristan , Nicaud Jean-Marc , Louka Nicolas
Published: January 2022

Due to its pleasant rosy scent, the aromatic alcohol 2-phenylethanol (2-PE) has a huge market demand. Since this valuable compound is used in food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, consumers and safety regulations tend to prefer natural methods for its production rather than the synthetic ones. Natural 2-PE can be either produced through the extraction of essential oils from various flowers, including roses, hyacinths and jasmine, or through biotechnological routes. In fact, the rarity of natural 2-PE in flowers has led to the inability to satisfy the large market demand and to a high selling price. Hence, there is a need to develop a more efficient, economic, and environmentally friendly biotechnological approach as an alternative to the conventional industrial one. The most promising method is through microbial fermentation, particularly using yeasts. Numerous yeasts have the ability to produce 2-PE using l-Phe as precursor. Some agro-industrial waste and by-products have the particularity of a high nutritional value, making them suitable media for microbial growth, including the production of 2-PE through yeast fermentation. This review summarizes the biotechnological production of 2-PE through the fermentation of different yeasts on synthetic media and on various agro-industrial waste and by-products.
Exopolysaccharides from the Energy Microalga Strain Botryococcus braunii: Purification, Characterization, and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Wang Wei-Nan , Li Tao , Li Yi , Zhang Ying , Wu Hua-Lian , Xiang Wen-Zhou , Li Ai-Fen
Published: January 2022

Botryococcus braunii, a prestigious energy microalga, has recently received widespread attention because it can secrete large amounts of exopolysaccharides (EPS) with potential applications in food, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals. Unfortunately, the insufficiency of research on the bioactivity and structure–activity relationship of B. braunii EPS has impeded the downstream applications. In the present study, alcohol precipitation, deproteinization, and DEAE-cellulose column chromatography were used to extract and purify B. braunii SCS-1905 EPS. It was found that B. braunii SCS-1905 EPS were high-molecular-weight heteropolysaccharides containing uronic acid (7.43–8.83%), protein (2.30–4.04%), and sulfate groups (1.52–1.95%). Additionally, the EPS primarily comprised galactose (52.34–54.12%), glucose (34.60–35.53%), arabinose (9.41–10.32%), and minor amounts of fucose (1.80–1.99%), with the presence of a pyranose ring linked by a β-configurational glycosidic bond. Notably, the antioxidant activity of crude exopolysaccharides (CEPS) was stronger, and the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for ABTS and hydroxyl radicals was significantly lower than that of deproteinized exopolysaccharides (DEPS). Overall, this study indicated a potential application of B. braunii SCS-1905 EPS as a natural antioxidant. In summary, B. braunii EPS could be used as a potential feedstock for the production of antioxidant health foods.
A Rapid and Sensitive Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Multipolar Compounds in Plant Tea by Supercritical Fluid Chromatography Coupled to Ion Mobility Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Yue Zi-Xuan , Cao Jun
Published: January 2022

In this study, matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) microextraction combined with supercritical fluid chromatography-ion mobility quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SFC/IM-QTOF-MS) was used to analyze the multipolar compounds in plant tea. The parameters of stationary phase, mobile phase, make-up solution, temperature, and back pressure were optimized. The target analytes were gradient eluted in 8 min by supercritical CO2 on a Zorbax RX-SIL column. Collisional Cross Section (CCS) values for single and multiple fields were measured. A series of validation studies were carried out under the optimal conditions, and the linear relationship and reproducibility were good. The limits of detection were 1.4 (Scoparone (1))~70 (Naringenin (4)) ng/mL, and the limits of quantification were 4.7 (Scoparone (1))~241 (Naringenin (4)) ng/mL. The recoveries of most compounds ranged from 60.7% to 127%. As a consequence, the proposed method was used for the separation and quantitative analysis of active ingredients in caulis dendrobii.