bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fuzzy Rough Nearest Neighbour Methods for Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Kaminska Olha , Cornelis Chris , Hoste Veronique
Published: February 2023

Fine-grained sentiment analysis, known as Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis (ABSA), establishes the polarity of a section of text concerning a particular aspect. Aspect, sentiment, and emotion categorisation are the three steps that make up the configuration of ABSA, which we looked into for the dataset of English reviews. In this work, due to the fuzzy nature of textual data, we investigated machine learning methods based on fuzzy rough sets, which we believe are more interpretable than complex state-of-the-art models. The novelty of this paper is the use of a pipeline that incorporates all three mentioned steps and applies Fuzzy-Rough Nearest Neighbour classification techniques with their extension based on ordered weighted average operators (FRNN-OWA), combined with text embeddings based on transformers. After some improvements in the pipeline’s stages, such as using two separate models for emotion detection, we obtain the correct results for the majority of test instances (up to 81.4%) for all three classification tasks. We consider three different options for the pipeline. In two of them, all three classification tasks are performed consecutively, reducing data at each step to retain only correct predictions, while the third option performs each step independently. This solution allows us to examine the prediction results after each step and spot certain patterns. We used it for an error analysis that enables us, for each test instance, to identify the neighbouring training samples and demonstrate that our methods can extract useful patterns from the data. Finally, we compare our results with another paper that performed the same ABSA classification for the Dutch version of the dataset and conclude that our results are in line with theirs or even slightly better.
Detecting Parallel Covert Data Transmission Channels in Video Conferencing Using Machine Learning
Authors: Joseph Ofir , Elmalech Avshalom , Hajaj Chen
Published: February 2023

Covert communication channels are a concept in which a policy-breaking method is used in order to covertly transmit data from inside an organization to an external or accessible point. VoIP and Video systems are exposed to such attacks on different layers, such as the underlying real-time transport protocol (RTP) which uses Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) or User Datagram Protocol (UDP) packet streams to punch a hole through Network address translation (NAT). This paper presents different innovative attack methods utilizing covert communication and RTP channels to spread malware or to create a data leak channel between different organizations. The demonstrated attacks are based on a UDP punch hole created using Skype peer-to-peer video conferencing communication. The different attack methods were successfully able to transmit a small text file in an undetectable manner by observing the communication channel, and without causing interruption to the audio/video channels or creating a noticeable disturbance to the quality. While these attacks are hard to detect by the eye, we show that applying classical Machine Learning algorithms to detect these covert channels on statistical features sampled from the communication channel is effective for one type of attack.
Reconstructing Quantum States from Sparse Measurements
Authors: Xie Yufan , Guo Chu , Peng Zhihui
Published: February 2023

Quantum state tomography (QST) is a central technique to fully characterize an unknown quantum state. However, standard QST requires an exponentially growing number of quantum measurements against the system size, which limits its application to smaller systems. Here, we explore the sparsity of underlying quantum state and propose a QST scheme that combines the matrix product states’ representation of the quantum state with a supervised machine learning algorithm. Our method could reconstruct the unknown sparse quantum states with very high precision using only a portion of the measurement data in a randomly selected basis set. In particular, we demonstrate that the Wolfgang states could be faithfully reconstructed using around 25% of the whole basis, and that the randomly generated quantum states, which could be efficiently represented as matrix product states, could be faithfully reconstructed using a number of bases that scales sub-exponentially against the system size.
PCB Rogowski Coils for Capacitors Current Measurement in System Stability Enhancement
Authors: Yue Xuxin , Zhu Guorong , Wang Jing V. , Deng Xiangtian , Wang Qian
Published: February 2023

In terms of high-current measurement of capacitors, PCB Rogowski coils have attracted much attention because of their small size and easy installation. However, they are vulnerable to electromagnetic interference. In order to improve the immunity of the coil, this paper studies the influence of the structure and parameter changes of the double-layer PCB coil on the measurement accuracy of mutual inductance. By testing the frequency response of four common coil structures, a differential winding coil structure is proposed. Based on the measurement of large capacitance current, the influence of non-electrical parameters of coils on the measurement accuracy of mutual inductance is experimentally verified.
Study on the Aperture Evolution Law and Seepage Mechanism of 3D Rough Structure Plane under the Shear–Seepage Coupling Test
Authors: Jiao Feng , Xu Jiang , Peng Shoujian , He Meixin , Zhang Xinrui
Published: February 2023

In order to study the mechanical characteristics and seepage mechanism of the structural plane under the action of seepage water pressure, the shear–seepage coupling test was carried out. It was found that with an increase in seepage water pressure, the peak shear strength, and shear stiffness of the structural plane decreased, while the peak dilatancy angle, average dilatancy angle, peak shear displacement, initial flow rate, and peak flow rate increased. The profile JRC and 3D morphology parameters under different Y values increased as seepage water pressure increased, indicating that the wear degree of the structural plane decreased. The contact area, effective aperture, average aperture, and hydraulic aperture of the structural plane all increased in phase with the increase in shear displacement, and they all increased in trend with the increase in seepage water pressure. The distribution and evolution law of the structural plane aperture were analyzed by programming using scanning point cloud data and the normal displacement value of the structure plane. It was concluded that the aperture gradually increased with the increase in seepage water pressure.
Challenges and Barriers of Wireless Charging Technologies for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Palani Geetha , Sengamalai Usha , Vishnuram Pradeep , Nastasi Benedetto
Published: February 2023

Electric vehicles could be a significant aid in lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Even though extensive study has been done on the features and traits of electric vehicles and the nature of their charging infrastructure, network modeling for electric vehicle manufacturing has been limited and unchanging. The necessity of wireless electric vehicle charging, based on magnetic resonance coupling, drove the primary aims for this review work. Herein, we examined the basic theoretical framework for wireless power transmission systems for EV charging and performed a software-in-the-loop analysis, in addition to carrying out a performance analysis of an EV charging system based on magnetic resonance. This study also covered power pad designs and created workable remedies for the following issues: (i) how power pad positioning affected the function of wireless charging systems and (ii) how to develop strategies to keep power efficiency at its highest level. Moreover, safety features of wireless charging systems, owing to interruption from foreign objects and/or living objects, were analyzed, and solutions were proposed to ensure such systems would operate as safely and optimally as possible.
Non-Linear Model Predictive Control Using CasADi Package for Trajectory Tracking of Quadrotor
Authors: Elhesasy Mohamed , Dief Tarek N. , Atallah Mohammed , Okasha Mohamed , Kamra Mohamed M. , Yoshida Shigeo , Rushdi Mostafa A.
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we present the development of a non-linear model predictive controller for the trajectory tracking of a quadrotor using the CasADi optimization framework. The non-linear dynamic model of the quadrotor was derived using Newton–Euler equations, and the control algorithm and drone dynamics were wrapped in Matlab. The proposed controller was tested by simulating the tracking of a 3D helical reference trajectory, and its efficiency was evaluated in terms of numerical performance and tracking accuracy. The results showed that the proposed controller leads to faster computational times, approximately 20 times faster than the Matlab toolbox (nlmpc), and provides better tracking accuracy than both the Matlab toolbox and classical PID controller. The robustness of the proposed control algorithm was also tested and verified under model uncertainties and external disturbances, demonstrating its ability to effectively eliminate tracking errors.
Market Mechanisms and Trading in Microgrid Local Electricity Markets: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Zahraoui Younes , Korõtko Tarmo , Rosin Argo , Agabus Hannes
Published: February 2023

Electricity generation using distributed renewable energy systems is becoming increasingly common due to the significant increase in energy demand and the high operation of conventional power systems with fossil fuels. The introduction of distributed renewable energy systems in the electric grid is crucial for delivering future zero-emissions energy systems and is cost-effective for promoting and facilitating large-scale generation for prosumers. However, these deployments are forcing changes in traditional energy markets, with growing attention given to transactive energy networks that enable energy trading between prosumers and consumers for more significant benefits in the cluster mode. This change raises operational and market challenges. In recent years, extensive research has been conducted on developing different local energy market models that enable energy trading and provide the opportunity to minimize the operational costs of the distributed energy resources by promoting localized market management. Local energy markets provide a stepping stone toward fully transactive energy systems that bring adequate flexibility by reducing users’ demand and reflecting the energy price in the grid. Designing a stable regulatory framework for local electricity markets is one of the major concerns in the electricity market regulation policies for the efficient and reliable delivery of electric power, maximizing social welfare, and decreasing electric infrastructure expenditure. This depends on the changing needs of the power system, objectives, and constraints. Generally, the optimal design of the local market requires both short-term efficiencies in the optimal operation of the distributed energy resources and long-term efficiency investment for high quality. In this paper, a comprehensive literature review of the main layers of microgrids is introduced, highlighting the role of the market layer. Critical aspects of the energy market are systematically presented and discussed, including market design, market mechanism, market player, and pricing mechanism. We also intend to investigate the role and application of distributed ledger technologies in energy trading. In the end, we illuminate the mathematical foundation of objective functions, optimization approaches, and constraints in the energy market, along with a brief overview of the solver tools to formulate and solve the optimization problem.
Tissue Metabolic Responses to Artificial Bending and Gravitation Stimuli in Betula platyphylla
Authors: Chi Yao , Zhang Nan , Zou Ao , Yu Ying , Wang Yucheng , Wang Chao
Published: February 2023

Betula platyphylla Suk (Asian white birch) is an economically important tree species in the paper-pulping and biofuel industries. To investigate the mechanism of wood formation at the metabolic level, we evaluated metabolic responses associated with tension-wood formation. Four-year-old trees were subjected to artificial bending treatment for 6 weeks. The xylem growth rate of tension wood (TW) was significantly faster than that of opposite wood (OW), and it exhibited a higher cellulose content. Metabolomics analysis was performed on metabolites of TW, OW and normal wood (NW), and 183 metabolites were identified, of which levels of 142 were altered between groups. Metabolites related to fatty-acid and amino-acid metabolism, the glycolytic pathway, and the metabolism of fructose, mannose and starch sucrose were abundant in TW. Glucose 1-phosphoric acid, fructose and mannose associated with tension-wood development were elevated. Levels of xylitol and ribosol (related to the conversion of glucose), coniferol (the main monomer of lignin) and shikimic acid (an intermediate in lignin synthesis) were decreased in TW. These metabolites are likely involved in xylem development.
Nutrient Availability Has a Greater Influence than Pot Host on Seedling Development of Hemiparasitic Hawaiian Sandalwood (Santalum paniculatum Hook. and Arn.)
Authors: Speetjens Tawn M. , Jacobs Douglass F.
Published: February 2023

Sandalwood (Santalum spp.) has been overharvested throughout its range, including the Hawaiian Islands, where 6 of the 19 species Santalum spp. are endemic. As hemiparasitic plant species, Hawaiian sandalwoods require a host plant for optimal forest establishment, yet the importance of a host during seedling development is unclear. Furthermore, understanding interactions between pot hosts and nutrient availability on sandalwood seedling development during nursery culture will help to promote the production of high-quality sandalwood seedlings for restoration and commercial purposes. We evaluated the effects of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF), chelated Fe treatments, and two pot host species (Acacia koa and Dodonaea viscosa) on the seedling development of Hawaiian sandalwood (Santalum paniculatum). Increased nutrient availability (CRF) led to increased dry mass, root collar diameter, shoot height, chlorophyll index, and nutrient status values, confirming that the hemiparasitic S. paniculatum can be successfully grown in early stages of cultivation by providing adequate mineral fertilizers. There was a significant interaction between the nutrient availability and chelated iron treatments associated with increased height, root collar diameter, dry mass, chlorophyll index, Fe concentration, and Fe content when chelated Fe was applied (vs. not) in a nutrient-limiting environment. The pot host treatment did not affect any growth metrics, but it did affect the total count of haustoria, with A. koa-hosted seedlings developing 60.3% more haustoria than D. viscosa-hosted and control seedlings. Our results demonstrate that high-quality S. paniculatum seedlings can be grown in containers by providing adequate nutrition and that S. paniculatum in a nutrient-limiting growing environment may benefit from chelated iron fertilizers.
Changes in Bio-Functional Compounds, ACE Inhibition, and Antioxidant Capacity after Mixed Fermentation of Eight Whole Grains
Authors: Wang Chih-Feng , Huang Cui-Rou , Lu Ying-Chen
Published: February 2023

Whole grains are rich in nutrients and antioxidants and can be fermented to increase their biological functions. This study used two fermentation steps to ferment eight whole grains. The bio-functional compounds, ACE inhibition, and antioxidant capacity were measured during the second fermentation step. The results indicate that the total phenols content increased by 2605%, total flavonoid content increased by 1707%, ABTS radical scavenging capacity increased by 239%, DPPH radical scavenging capacity increased by 325%, GABA increased by 4810%, glucuronic acid increased by 4278%, ACE inhibition increased by 69.28%, and total amino acids increased by 2197.72% after 13 weeks of fermentation. These results showed that a fermentation beverage with eight whole grains could be considered a drink with health benefits.
Fast Way to Predict Parking Lots Availability: For Shared Parking Lots Based on Dynamic Parking Fee System
Authors: Wang Sheng-Ming , Cheng Wei-Min
Published: February 2023

This study mainly focuses on the estimation calculation of urban parking space. Urban parking has always been a problem that plagues governments worldwide. Due to limited parking space, if the parking space is not controlled correctly, with the city’s development, the city will eventually face the result that there is nowhere to park. In order to effectively manage the urban parking problem, using the dynamic parking fee pricing mechanism combined with the concept of shared parking is an excellent way to alleviate the parking problem, but how to quickly estimate the total number of available parking spaces in the area is a big problem. This study provides a fast parking space estimation method and verifies the feasibility of this estimation method through actual data from various types of fields. This study also comprehensively discusses the changing characteristics of parking space data in multiple areas and possible data anomalies and studies and explains the causes of data anomalies. The study also concludes with a description of potential applications of the predictive model in conjunction with subsequent dynamic parking pricing mechanisms and self-driving systems.
BPMNE4IoT: A Framework for Modeling, Executing and Monitoring IoT-Driven Processes
Authors: Kirikkayis Yusuf , Gallik Florian , Winter Michael , Reichert Manfred
Published: February 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) enables a variety of smart applications, including smart home, smart manufacturing, and smart city. By enhancing Business Process Management Systems with IoT capabilities, the execution and monitoring of business processes can be significantly improved. Providing a holistic support for modeling, executing and monitoring IoT-driven processes, however, constitutes a challenge. Existing process modeling and process execution languages, such as BPMN 2.0, are unable to fully meet the IoT characteristics (e.g., asynchronicity and parallelism) of IoT-driven processes. In this article, we present BPMNE4IoT—A holistic framework for modeling, executing and monitoring IoT-driven processes. We introduce various artifacts and events based on the BPMN 2.0 metamodel that allow realizing the desired IoT awareness of business processes. The framework is evaluated along two real-world scenarios from two different domains. Moreover, we present a user study for comparing BPMNE4IoT and BPMN 2.0. In particular, this study has confirmed that the BPMNE4IoT framework facilitates the support of IoT-driven processes.
The Effects of Different LED Lights on the Main Nutritional Compositions of Isochrysis zhanjiangensis
Authors: Sun Yanbin , Zhang Jiaxing , Xu Jilin , Cao Jiayi , Li Yanrong
Published: February 2023

Light irradiation plays an important role in the growth of microalgae and their nutrient composition. To elucidate the effect of different LED lights (red, orange, green, blue, purple, simulated sunlight, and white) on the main nutritional compositions of Isochrysis zhanjiangensis, the growth, fatty acid composition, soluble carbohydrate, and soluble protein contents were studied. The results show that I. zhanjiangensis grew the fastest under blue light (p = 0.044). In terms of fatty acid composition, the percentage of myristic acid (C14:0) decreased significantly (p = 0.021) under blue light and simulated sunlight, but the percentages of palmitic acid (C16:0) (p = 0.032) and stearic acid (C18:0) (p = 0.037) significantly increased. The percentage of docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3) increased under orange light (p = 0.021), and the percentage of total unsaturated fatty acids increased under blue light (p = 0.008). The protein content significantly increased under simulated sunlight (p = 0.025), while the carbohydrate content did not vary much (p > 0.05) under different lights. These findings provide useful guidance for optimizing the cultivation conditions of I. zhanjiangensis to improve its nutritional value and yield.
Swimbladder Function in the European Eel Anguilla anguilla
Authors: Pelster Bernd
Published: February 2023

Eels use the swimbladder for buoyancy control. The ductus pneumaticus connecting the esophagus with the swimbladder is closed soon after initial opening of the swimbladder in the glass eel stage, so that eels are functionally physoclist. Subsequent filling of the swimbladder is achieved by activity of gas gland cells in the swimbladder epithelium and countercurrent concentration in the rete mirabile. Gas gland cells produce and release lactic acid and CO2. In blood, acidification induces a release of oxygen from the hemoglobin (Root effect). The resulting increases in PO2 and PCO2 provide diffusion gradients for the diffusion of oxygen and CO2 into the swimbladder, the main gases secreted into the swimbladder. In addition, the partial pressure of these two gases remains elevated in venous blood leaving the swimbladder epithelium and returning to the rete mirabile. Back-diffusion from venous to arterial capillaries in the rete results in countercurrent concentration, allowing for the generation of high gas partial pressures, required for filling the swimbladder under elevated hydrostatic pressure. The transition of the yellow eel to the silver eel stage (silvering) is accompanied by a significant improvement in swimbladder function, but swimbladder volume cannot be kept constant during the daily vertical migrations silver eels perform during their spawning migration back to the spawning grounds in the Sargasso Sea. Infection of the swimbladder with the nematode Anguillicola crassus significantly impairs the function of the swimbladder as a buoyancy organ.
Surrogate Models for Heat Transfer in Oscillating Flow with a Local Heat Source
Authors: Knecht Simon , Zdravkov Denislav , Albers Albert
Published: February 2023

Simulative optimization methods often build on an iterative scheme, where a simulation model is solved in each iteration. To reduce the time needed for an optimization, finding the right balance between simulation model quality, and simulation time is essential. This is especially true for transient problems, such as fluid flow within a hydromechanical system. Therefore, we present an approach to building steady-state surrogate models for oscillating flow in a pipe with a local heat source. The main aspect is to model the fluid as a solid with an orthotropic heat transfer coefficient. The values of this coefficient are fitted to reproduce the temperature distribution of the transient case by parametric optimization. It is shown that the presented approach is feasible for different sets of parameters and creates suitable surrogate models for oscillating flow within a pipe with a local heat source. In future works, the presented approach will be transferred from the simplified geometry under investigation to industrial problems.
Effect of pH-Shifting Process on the Cathepsin Activity, Muddy Off-Odor Compounds’ Content and Gelling Properties of Isolated Protein from Silver Carp
Authors: Guo Weidan , Zhan Miao , Liu Hui , Fu Xiangjin , Wu Wei
Published: February 2023

Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) is a potential source for making surimi products. However, it has the disadvantages of bony structures, high level of cathepsines and muddy off-odor which is mainly caused by geosmin (GEO) and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB). These disadvantages make the conventional water washing process of surimi inefficient (low protein recovery rate, and high residual muddy off-odor). Thus, the effect of the pH-shifting process (acid-isolating process and alkali-isolating process) on the cathepsins activity, GEO content, MIB content, and gelling properties of the isolated proteins (IPs) was investigated, comparing it with surimi obtained through the conventional cold water washing process (WM). The alkali-isolating process greatly boosted the protein recovery rate from 28.8% to 40.9% (p < 0.05). In addition, it removed 84% GEO and 90% MIB. The acid-isolating process removed about 77% GEO and 83% MIB. The acid-isolated protein (AC) displayed the lowest elastic modulus (G′), the highest TCA-peptide content (90.89 ± 4.65 mg/g) and the highest cathepsin L activity (65.43 ± 4.91 U/g). The AC modori (60 °C for 30 min) gel also demonstrated the lowest breaking force (226.2 ± 19.5 g) and breaking deformation (8.3 ± 0.4 mm), indicating that proteolysis caused by the cathepsin deteriorated the gel quality of AC. The setting (40 °C for 30 min) considerably increased the breaking force (386.4 ± 15.7 g) and breaking deformation (11.6 ± 0.2 mm) of the gel made from the alkali-isolated protein (AK) (p < 0.05). In AC and AK gel, a clearly visible cross-linking protein band with a molecular weight greater than MHC was seen, demonstrating the presence of endogenous trans-glutaminase (TGase) activity, that improved the gel quality of AK. In conclusion, the alkali-isolating process was an effective alternative method for making water-washed surimi from silver carp.
Performance Analysis of Statistical, Machine Learning and Deep Learning Models in Long-Term Forecasting of Solar Power Production
Authors: Sedai Ashish , Dhakal Rabin , Gautam Shishir , Dhamala Anibesh , Bilbao Argenis , Wang Qin , Wigington Adam , Pol Suhas
Published: February 2023

The Machine Learning/Deep Learning (ML/DL) forecasting model has helped stakeholders overcome uncertainties associated with renewable energy resources and time planning for probable near-term power fluctuations. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of long-term forecasting of renewable energy resources using an existing ML/DL model is still debatable and needs additional research. Considering the constraints inherent in current empirical or physical-based forecasting models, the study utilizes ML/DL models to provide long-term predictions for solar power production. This study aims to examine the efficacy of several existing forecasting models. The study suggests approaches to enhance the accuracy of long-term forecasting of solar power generation for a case study power plant. It summarizes and compares the statistical model (ARIMA), ML model (SVR), DL models (LSTM, GRU, etc.), and ensemble models (RF, hybrid) with respect to long-term prediction. The performances of the univariate and multivariate models are summarized and compared based on their ability to accurately predict solar power generation for the next 1, 3, 5, and 15 days for a 100-kW solar power plant in Lubbock, TX, USA. Conclusions are drawn predicting the accuracy of various model changes with variation in the prediction time frame and input variables. In summary, the Random Forest model predicted long-term solar power generation with 50% better accuracy over the univariate statistical model and 10% better accuracy over multivariate ML/DL models.
Fatty Acid Vesicles as Hard UV-C Shields for Early Life
Authors: Lechuga Iván , Michaelian Karo
Published: February 2023

Theories on life’s origin generally acknowledge the advantage of a semi-permeable vesicle (protocell) for enhancing the chemical reaction–diffusion processes involved in abiogenesis. However, more and more evidence indicates that the origin of life is concerned with the photo-chemical dissipative structuring of the fundamental molecules under soft UV-C light (245–275 nm). In this paper, we analyze the Mie UV scattering properties of such a vesicle created with long-chain fatty acids. We find that the vesicle could have provided early life with a shield from the faint but destructive hard UV-C ionizing light (180–210 nm) that probably bathed Earth’s surface from before the origin of life and at least until 1200 million years after, until the formation of a protective ozone layer as a result of the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis.
Fractional Prospect Theory-Based Bidding Strategy of Power Retail Company in the Uniform Pricing Electricity Market under Price Uncertainty
Authors: Wang Ying , Jiang Jingxiao , Cai Zhi , Zhang Kaifeng
Published: February 2023

This paper first proposes a fractional prospect theory-based method for modeling the bidding strategy of a power retail company in the uniform pricing electricity market under price uncertainty. Different from the traditional methods which assume that the retail company always bids completely rationally to maximize its individual payoffs, this paper introduces the prospect theory (PT) into the bidding model to reflect the impacts of psychological factors and subjective perceptions. To address the partial uncertainties brought by the continuous probability distribution in the value function, this paper modifies the classical PT into the fractional prospect theory (FPT) and builds up the FPT-based bidding strategy model under 1-segment and 3-segment bidding rules. The simulation results show that the proposed method can effectively model the psychological factors in the bidding strategy of a power retail company in the uniform pricing electricity market under price uncertainty, which can help to further study the competition and equilibrium of the uniform pricing market considering the psychological factors of the participants.
Autophagy: A Cellular Guardian against Hepatic Lipotoxicity
Authors: Sinha Rohit Anthony
Published: February 2023

Lipotoxicity is a phenomenon of lipid-induced cellular injury in nonadipose tissue. Excess of free saturated fatty acids (SFAs) contributes to hepatic injury in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which has been growing at an unprecedented rate in recent years. SFAs and their derivatives such as ceramides and membrane phospholipids have been shown to induce intrahepatic oxidative damage and ER stress. Autophagy represents a cellular housekeeping mechanism to counter the perturbation in organelle function and activation of stress signals within the cell. Several aspects of autophagy, including lipid droplet assembly, lipophagy, mitophagy, redox signaling and ER-phagy, play a critical role in mounting a strong defense against lipotoxic lipid species within the hepatic cells. This review provides a succinct overview of our current understanding of autophagy–lipotoxicity interaction and its pharmacological and nonpharmacological modulation in treating NAFLD.
Cellular Transcriptomics of Carboplatin Resistance in a Metastatic Canine Osteosarcoma Cell Line
Authors: Hodge McKaela A. , Miller Tasha , Weinman Marcus A. , Wustefeld-Janssens Brandan , Bracha Shay , Davis Brian W.
Published: February 2023

Osteosarcoma prognosis has remained unchanged for the past three decades. In both humans and canines, treatment is limited to excision, radiation, and chemotherapy. Chemoresistance is the primary cause of treatment failure, and the trajectory of tumor evolution while under selective pressure from treatment is thought to be the major contributing factor in both species. We sought to understand the nature of platinum-based chemotherapy resistance by investigating cells that were subjected to repeated treatment and recovery cycles with increased carboplatin concentrations. Three HMPOS-derived cell lines, two resistant and one naïve, underwent single-cell RNA sequencing to examine transcriptomic perturbation and identify pathways leading to resistance and phenotypic changes. We identified the mechanisms of acquired chemoresistance and inferred the induced cellular trajectory that evolved with repeated exposure. The gene expression patterns indicated that acquired chemoresistance was strongly associated with a process similar to epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a phenomenon associated with the acquisition of migratory and invasive properties associated with metastatic disease. We conclude that the observed trajectory of tumor adaptability is directly correlated with chemoresistance and the phase of the EMT-like phenotype is directly affected by the level of chemoresistance. We infer that the EMT-like phenotype is a critical component of tumor evolution under treatment pressure and is vital to understanding the mechanisms of chemoresistance and to improving osteosarcoma prognosis.
Non-Surgical Therapy and Oral Microbiota Features in Peri-Implant Complications: A Brief Narrative Review
Authors: Corsalini Massimo , Montagnani Monica , Charitos Ioannis Alexandros , Bottalico Lucrezia , Barile Giuseppe , Santacroce Luigi
Published: February 2023

The therapeutic discretion in cases of peri-implantitis should take into account the limits and advantages of specific therapeutic itineraries tailored according to each clinical case and each individual patient. This type of oral pathology emphasizes the complex classification and diagnostic issues coupled with the need for targeted treatments, in light of the oral peri-implant microbiota changes. This review highlights the current indications for the non-surgical treatment of peri-implantitis, describing the specific therapeutic efficacy of different approaches and discussing the more appropriate application of single non-invasive therapies The non-surgical treatment choice with antiseptics or antibiotics (single or combined, local, or systemic) for short courses should be considered on a case-by-case basis to minimize the incidence of side effects and concomitantly avoid disease progression.
The Role of Internet Use and Offline Social Engagement in the Health of Chinese Older Adults: Evidence from Nationally Representative Samples
Authors: Li Chanyan , Mo Wanli , Wei Qingwang
Published: February 2023

This study investigated the association between internet use as a novel type of social engagement and the health of older adults, and evaluated the role of online versus offline social activities through nationally representative samples. Participants aged ≥ 60 in the datasets from the Chinese sample of the World Value Survey (NSample 1 = 598) and the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS, NSample 2 = 9434) were selected. Correlation analysis presented the positive relationships between internet use and self-reported health in both Sample 1 (r = 0.17, p < 0.001) and Sample 2 (r = 0.09, p < 0.001). In addition, the relationships between internet use and both self-reported health and depression (r = −0.14, p < 0.001) were stronger than the correlation between offline social activities and health outcomes in Sample 2. After accounting for the frequency of traditional social activities, regression analysis revealed the relationship between internet use and higher self-reported health (βSample 1 = 0.16, p < 0.001; βSample 2 = 0.04, p < 0.001) and lower depressive symptom scores (β = −0.05, p < 0.001) This research contributes to the existing body of literature on the favorable relationship between social engagement and health outcomes among Chinese older adults. Additionally, it identifies the social benefits of internet use for health promotion among older adults.
Architectural Heritage Analysis of the Yuanying Guan Pavilion: Construction and Signification
Authors: Castilla Manuel V.
Published: February 2023

This paper aims to analyse the structural function and symbolic function of the historic building Yuan Guan during the inculturation process in the early Qing dynasty in China. This process was the dominant Western practice during the early Qing dynasty, when technology, design, aesthetics, and linear perspective were considered indispensable tools to express the nature of an architectural encounter between China and Europe. Given the artistic–cultural richness of this context, the masterwork Yuanying Guan complex can be examined from a spatial semiotic study in an original and unique way. Thus, semiotic tools were used to interpret the expression of the architectural space and to formulate a subsequent understanding of the architectural forms of this destroyed heritage, turning each element into a tool of communication.
Quality Improvement of Tomato Fruits by Preharvest Application of Chitosan Oligosaccharide
Authors: Zheng Jirong , Chen Hao , Wang Tonglin , Mustafa Ghazala , Liu Lihong , Wang Qiaomei , Shao Zhiyong
Published: February 2023

Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS), a degradation product of chitosan, is easily accessible, highly bioactive, non-toxic, and well-soluble in water. The effects of COS on the qualitative attributes of tomato fruits were investigated in the current study. COS was administered to tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Ruixinghongniu) by foliar spray and root irrigation in alternate cycles at concentrations of 0.5 g·L−1 and 0.16 g·L−1, respectively. The experimental outcomes revealed that COS treatment promoted the coloring and softening of tomato fruits. Lycopene, vitamin C, fructose, and glucose levels increased by 49.0%, 25.4%, 30.2%, and 33.4%, respectively, in COS-treated ripe fruits compared to controls. The volatile metabolome showed that COS application also increased the release of ten volatiles correlated with consumer preference (1-penten-3-one, (E)-2-pentenal, (E)-3-hexen-1-ol, (E)-2-heptenal, 2-isobutylthiazole, phenylacetaldehyde, 2-phenylethanol, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-ol, and β-ionone), contributing to an improved tomato flavor. Moreover, increased transcript levels of genes participating in ethylene biosynthesis, perception, and response along with enhanced ethylene production were observed in COS-treated fruits, suggesting that COS may regulate tomato fruit quality via the ethylene pathway. Taken together, our results indicated that the pre-harvest application of COS could improve tomato fruit quality attributes.
Growth and Nitrogen Uptake by Potato and Cassava Crops Can Be Improved by Azospirillum brasilense Inoculation and Nitrogen Fertilization
Authors: Fernandes Adalton Mazetti , da Silva Jessica Aparecida , Eburneo Juliana Aparecida Marques , Leonel Magali , Garreto Francisca Gyslane de Sousa , Nunes Jason Geter da Silva
Published: February 2023

Nitrogen (N) is the nutrient most taken up by potato and cassava crops and Azospirillum brasilense may contribute to the growth of these crops. Pot experiments evaluated A. brasilense and mineral N application on leaf N concentration, plant growth, and N uptake by potato and cassava grown under natural and disinfected soil. The rates of 2.8 × 108 colony-forming units mL−1 of A. brasilense combined with 0, 75, 150, and 300 mg dm−3 N or 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg dm−3 N were used for potato or cassava grown. At low N supply in natural soil, A. brasilense inoculation increased N concentration in potato leaves by 23–38%, without benefits to plant growth or N uptake. At unfertilized N treatments of both soils, A. brasilense inoculation increased cassava leaf N concentration by 25–33%, but an 11–32% increase in shoot biomass occurred in treatments inoculated and N supplied. Potato crops responded positively to mineral N supply, but cassava responded to fertilization only in disinfected soil. In disinfected soil fertilized with N, A. brasilense inoculation increased cassava N uptake by 27–40%. In contrast, in natural soil, A. brasilense minimized the negative effect of N excess on the tuber development of cassava. These results show that the use of A. brasilense is a more interesting alternative to improve N status and growth in cassava than in potatoes.
Spatial Evaluation of a Hydrological Model on Dominant Runoff Generation Processes Using Soil Hydrologic Maps
Authors: Mohajerani Hadis , Jackel Mathias , Salm Zoé , Schütz Tobias , Casper Markus C.
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to simulate dominant runoff generation processes (DRPs) in a mesoscale catchment in southwestern Germany with the physically-based distributed hydrological model WaSiM-ETH and to compare the resulting DRP patterns with a data-mining-based digital soil map. The model was parameterized by using 11 Pedo-transfer functions (PTFs) and driven by multiple synthetic rainfall events. For the pattern comparison, a multiple-component spatial performance metric (SPAEF) was applied. The simulated DRPs showed a large variability in terms of land use, applied rainfall rates, and the different PTFs, which highly influence the rapid runoff generation under wet conditions.
Our Healthy Community Conceptual Framework and Intervention Model for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention in Municipalities
Authors: Aadahl Mette , Vardinghus-Nielsen Henrik , Bloch Paul , Jørgensen Thea Suldrup , Pisinger Charlotta , Tørslev Mette Kirstine , Klinker Charlotte Demant , Birch Signe Damsbo , Bøggild Henrik , Toft Ulla
Published: February 2023

This paper introduces the conceptual framework and intervention model of Our Healthy Community (OHC), a new, coordinated, and integrated approach towards health promotion and disease prevention in municipalities. The model is inspired by systems-based approaches and employs a supersetting approach for engaging stakeholders across sectors in the development and implementation of interventions to increase health and well-being among citizens. The conceptual model includes a combination of a bottom-up approach emphasizing involvement of citizens and other community-based stakeholders combined with a top-down approach emphasizing political, legal, administrative, and technical support from a variety of councils and departments in local municipality government. The model operates bidirectionally: (1) by pushing political and administrative processes to promote the establishment of conducive structural environments for making healthy choices, and (2) by involving citizens and professional stakeholders at all levels in co-creating processes of shaping their own community and municipality. An operational intervention model was further developed by the OHC project while working with the OHC in two Danish municipalities. The operational intervention model of OHC comprises three main phases and key actions to be implemented at the levels of local government and community: (1) Local government: Situational analysis, dialogue, and political priorities; (2) Community: Thematic co-creation among professional stakeholders; and (3) Target area: Intervention development and implementation. The OHC model will provide municipalities with new tools to improve the citizens’ health and well-being with available resources. Health promotion and disease prevention interventions are developed, implemented, and anchored in the local community by citizens and local stakeholders at municipal and local community levels using collaboration and partnerships as leverage points.
Infection Control in Dental Practice during the COVID-19 Pandemic: What Is Changed?
Authors: Caggiano Mario , Acerra Alfonso , Martina Stefano , Galdi Marzio , D’Ambrosio Francesco
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly changed our lives. Since the SARS-CoV-2 was discovered, many studies have been done on the transmission mode, its replication within humans, and its survival even in the outside environment and on inanimate surfaces. Undoubtedly, health care workers have faced the greatest risks because of their close contact with potentially infected patients. Of these, dental health care professionals are certainly among the most vulnerable categories, precisely because infection occurs with the airborne virus. The treatment of patients within the dental office has changed profoundly, respecting all preventive measures towards the patient and the practitioners themselves. The aim of this paper is to understand whether the protocols changed for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection among dentists remained even after the most acute phase of the pandemic. In particular, this study analyzed habits, protocols, preventive measures, and any costs incurred in the COVID-19 era for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection among dental workers and patients.
Love and Infidelity: Causes and Consequences
Authors: Rokach Ami , Chan Sybil H.
Published: February 2023

This is a narrative review addressing the topic of romantic infidelity, its causes and its consequences. Love is commonly a source of much pleasure and fulfillment. However, as this review points out, it can also cause stress, heartache and may even be traumatic in some circumstances. Infidelity, which is relatively common in Western culture, can damage a loving, romantic relationship to the point of its demise. However, by highlighting this phenomenon, its causes and its consequences, we hope to provide useful insight for both researchers and clinicians who may be assisting couples facing these issues. We begin by defining infidelity and illustrating the various ways in which one may become unfaithful to their partner. We explore the personal and relational factors that enhance an individual’s tendency to betray their partner, the various reactions related to a discovered affair and the challenges related to the nosological categorization of infidelity-based trauma, and conclude by reviewing the effects of COVID-19 on unfaithful behavior, as well as clinical implications related to infidelity-based treatment. Ultimately, we hope to provide a road map, for academicians and clinicians alike, of what some couples may experience in their relationships and how can they be helped.
Effects of Heatwaves on Hospital Admissions for Cardiovascular and Respiratory Diseases, in Southern Vietnam, 2010–2018: Time Series Analysis
Authors: Nhung Nguyen Thi Trang , Hoang Le Tu , Tuyet Hanh Tran Thi , Toan Luu Quoc , Thanh Nguyen Duc , Truong Nguyen Xuan , Son Nguyen Anh , Nhat Hoong Van , Quyen Nguyen Huu , Nhu Ha Van
Published: February 2023

This study investigated the associations between heatwaves and daily hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in two provinces in Viet Nam known to be vulnerable to droughts during 2010–2018. This study applied a time series analysis with data extracted from the electronic database of provincial hospitals and meteorological stations from the corresponding province. To eliminate over-dispersion, this time series analysis used Quasi-Poisson regression. The models were controlled for the day of the week, holiday, time trend, and relative humidity. Heatwaves were defined as the maximum temperature exceeding P90th over the period from 2010 to 2018 during at least three consecutive days. Data from 31,191 hospital admissions for respiratory diseases and 29,056 hospitalizations for cardiovascular diseases were investigated in the two provinces. Associations between hospital admissions for respiratory diseases and heatwaves in Ninh Thuan were observed at lag 2, with excess risk (ER = 8.31%, 95% confidence interval: 0.64–16.55%). However, heatwaves were negatively associated with cardiovascular diseases in Ca Mau, which was determined amongst the elderly (age above 60), ER = −7.28%, 95%CI: −13.97–−0.08%. Heatwaves can be a risk factor for hospital admission due to respiratory diseases in Vietnam. Further studies need to be conducted to assert the link between heat waves and cardiovascular diseases.